Meiji Restoration Rise of Imperial Japan Internal Problems

Meiji Restoration Rise of Imperial Japan

Internal Problems By early 19 th century, Japanese society was in turmoil – Declining agricultural productivity – Periodic crop failures, famine, and starvation – West arrives demanding trade with Japan

Challenge of the West Arrival of Matthew Perry (1853) – Perry’s “Black Ships” steam into Tokyo Bay – Force the Japanese to establish trade and diplomatic relations with the U. S. – Unequal Treaties Similar to the treaties signed by the Qing dynasty Japanese depiction of Admiral Matthew Perry

Internal Conflict Shogunate’s dealings with West viewed as dishonorable – Popular slogan: “Revere the emperor, expel the barbarians” Two minor wars between supporters of emperor and supporters of the shogun – January 3, 1868, the last shogun abdicated and the Tokugowa shogunate was destroyed

Modernization: Meiji Restoration Abolish feudal order – Administrative districts replace feudal domains – Daimyo removed from power – Samurai class is abolished Constitutional government – Constitution of 1889 based on German model Establishes constitutional monarchy with legislature – Emperor commanded the armed forces

Left: Structure of Meiji Governement; Above: Mutsuhito, the Meiji Emperor

Modernization: Meiji Restoration Japanese industrialization – Modernize transportation (RR), communication, and education – Sold government businesses to private investors

Modernization: Meiji Restoration Japanese industrialization (cont’d) – Creation of zaibatsu Combination of state initiative and private investment Consolidates economic power into the hands of a few powerful families

Social Developments No reforms to ease burdens on rural population Massive population growth – Strained resources and kept labor costs low Role of women – Maintain inferiority of women in the home – Silk industry relied upon women working in factories

Japanese Imperialism Sino-Japanese War – Japan gains influence over Korea Russo-Japanese War – Japan’s navy leads to victory over Russia Japan annexes Korea in 1910