Japan was losing its feudal system, and the emperor would necessarily replace the shogunate; Foreign powers were technologically centuries ahead of Japan (with the shogunate to blame), something that astounded yet annoyed many Japanese; Japan abandoned its caste system while creating the identity of a. The enacting of a constitution and formalization of a parliamentary system of government. Besides, these aims were greatly achieved by carrying out reforms. The result for these radical steps was the rise of a very powerful Asian country from a very humble beginning. Japan had a transition that was nicknamed the enlightened era hence it was very prudent that members of the state act in a more intelligent way to allow modernization. Japan created an efficient rail system, improved communications technology, and started mechanizing industry. All work is written to order. This modernization was spread to almost all economic sectors in the country. When the Meiji era began, many changes occurred which affected Japan's social structure and foreign relationships. These enterprises developed into great banking companies and improved commercial businesses. Japanese people readily accepted such drastic social changes. The Meiji Restoration (1868-1890) was named after the emperor, who took the name Meiji, which means 'enlightened rule.' The emperor and a new ruling class decided it was time to remodel Japan on a . In addition, the Japanese went to an extent of winning a war against Russia a super powerful country. Meiji restoration causes and political and economic effects - Quizlet After the Meiji Restoration, class restrictions vanished and allowed education to be open to all people. The Causes And Effects Of The Meiji Restoration In Japan Over 100 years after the Meiji Era, the first McDonalds restaurant, first Starbucks store, and first Apple retail store in Japan were all in Ginza. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. However, this trade was nonexistent in the past or it only existed in a limited form (Ebrey 405). First, the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which became known as Tokyo. At the same time, universal education was introduced to Japan. This aspect was going to be very crucial but the leaders were dedicated to bring change in Japan. Postal system The postal system was started in 1871, running between Tokyo and Osaka. This revolution was a transformation from subsistence farming to commercial crops farming. The movement was instigated by some scholars and priests, joined by people who had a strong antipathy toward temples. Finally, the Japanese began to democratize its people, leading to a nationalistic fervor that combined them into a people and not simply servants of their daimyo. Here you can choose which regional hub you wish to view, providing you with the most relevant information we have for your specific region. The Meiji Restoration began in 1868 to 1912 which transformed Japan society with western influence but . Meiji is the name of a period in time in the Japanese history that started in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration and lasted until 1912. The town area urbanized progressively during the Togukuwa era. A military dictator, or shogun, ruled over everyone. Why did the Meiji reformers want to modernize Japan? First, the army became more refurbished (Tipton 400). Whatever Happened to the Samurai? - JSTOR Daily Big family enterprises did develop during Togukawa era. They gained fame for this all over the Pacific area. What were some political effects of the Meiji Restoration? Moreover, some members who were supporters of daimyo were accepted in the new government and were reappointed as leaders. The population in the city of Tokyo was distributed evenly. During this time the city Edo was named Tokyo and the capital city was transferred to Tokyo. Additionally, the feudal system increasingly weakened, England and other western countries were engaging with China, which also affected Japan, and many in Japan were tired of the class system. This made the Japanese government look a little bit like a Western-style government. It was led by young samurai who saw the need for change. Meiji Restoration Effects - 759 Words | Internet Public Library Japan's success in modernization has created great interest in why and how it was able to adopt Western political, social, and economic institutions in so short a time. It was not going to be pushed around. Therefore, it called for the former governor or leaders to step down and give way for the new leaders. From 1603 to 1868 Japan was a feudal society with a hierarchy of lords, samurai, and peasants. The Meiji Restoration was a coup dtat that resulted in the dissolution of Japans feudal system of government and the restoration of the imperial system. Meiji Restoration Dbq Essay. -Reforms in other fields were far reaching: education was made compulsory, all restrictions were lifted on Japanese going abroad, Christianity was permitted, vaccinations, postal service, telegraphs, and steamships were introduced, torture was abolished, European dress was prescribed for officials (with the Emperor Unlike a tax at a defined rate per year, land reform creates the possibility of losing all one's land and the improvements in one go, i.e. This was the negative effects of social changes during Meiji Restoration. Largely the handiwork of thegenro(elder statesman)It Hirobumi, the constitution established a bicameral parliament, called the Dietin full Imperial Diet (Teikoku Gikai)that was to be elected through a limited voting franchise. Japan's goal of achieving fukoku kyohei, "rich country; strong military", fuelled major political, economic and social changes during the Meiji Restoration. This overlapped into the Meijis era hence forming the big banking facilities that were seen during the Meijis era. Also, the Meiji Emperor's father, the west-suspicious Komei, had died in 1867, leading to his more liberal son Meiji taking the throne. What were three effects of the Meiji Restoration? - Quick-Advices Japan had reverted back to a shogunate. The Meiji Restoration turned the mostly agricultural Japanese feudalistic economy to a laissez-faire capitalist and industrialist society, which copied and ultimately matched many countries in the West. to modernize. Telegraph When the telegram system first started, many people didnt understand what it was. [Obtain historical data] Grades 7-12: Assess the impact of Western ideas and the role of A strong national army and navy became a main priority. It is at this time that Japan was controlled by the Samurai and daimyo who had received power transition from Tokugawa era. The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the dentin-pulp complex response following occlusal and cervical restorations in rat molars restored with nano-hydroxyapatite silica glass ionomer cement (nano-HA-SiO2-GIC) and conventional glass ionomer cement (c-GIC). For example, Japan changed from a feudal system to a more structured government. These industrial towns created a need for lodging areas, food reserves and goods that could provide travelers or tourists with accommodation services. 205 lessons. In addition, most small towns developed in bigger urban areas. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. What were some effects of the Meiji Restoration? The early goals of the new government were expressed in the Charter Oath (April 1868), which committed the government to establishing deliberative assemblies and public discussion, to a worldwide search for knowledge, to the abrogation of past customs, and to the pursuit by all Japanese of their individual callings. While teaching materials in the early Meiji years were overwhelmingly translated from western sources, room was nonetheless made for the largely samurai staff to instruct their pupils in the traditional values they themselves had been brought up with. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. The atrocities that were committed against the Chinese people in Nanjing, and the deaths of so many people, were not the product of a cold, calculated plan. The Meiji Restoration was a major revolution that brought an end to over 260 years of feudal government. Separation of Buddhism and Shintoism The main purpose of the policy of separating Shintoism and Buddhism was to change Japans official religion from Buddhism, which was the dominant religion in the Edo Era, to Shintoism. Modernization of the education system was one of the main goals of the new Meiji government. This effort alternatively was reflected in the economy of the country. The Meiji Restoration and Modernization | Asia for Educators | Columbia The Meiji Era that followed the Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the formation of a new gender structure in Japan. Meiji Restoration | Summary, Effects, Social Changes, Significance, End Therefore, the Meijis era opted to create a solution for the need at hand. Japanese Imperialism: Territorial Acquisitions & Wars, The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era. Japan utilized the weapons in war times that enabled them to secure their territory. To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below: If you are the original writer of this essay and no longer wish to have your work published on UKEssays.com then please: Our academic writing and marking services can help you! Some critics argue that the strict binary gender differences, which are characteristics of modern society, were not present before the Meiji period in Japan (Sogojyoseishi Kenkyukai, 1993: 118-21; Yokota, 1995: 364). - Facts & Timeline, The English Civil War and the Rise of Cromwell's Theocracy, The Glorious Revolution of 1688: Events and Significance, Glorious Revolution Lesson Plan for Elementary School, What Is the English Bill Of Rights? It was presented as a gift from the emperor to the people, and it could be amended only upon imperial initiative. Around the same time, it was decided that formal wear for government officials must be western-style clothing. The war ended in the northern island of Hokkaido after the remaining forces of the shogunate tried to create a breakaway empire and were quashed. It signed treaties with America, Russia, Canada and many countries in Europe. The aim was to restore imperial power under Mutsuhito, this was the decline of the Edo (Tokugawa) era 1603-1867 in Japanese history (the emperor Meiji). 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The Meiji period that followed the Restoration was an era of major political, economic, and social change in Japan. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. Towards the end of the 19th century, Japan was copying the imperialism that it saw in other Western countries. Others mistakenly thought they could deliver parcels to distant places by telegraph and therefore hung parcels on the tower. Study for free with our range of university lectures! While many of these industrial ideals were Western, they were implemented in a Japanese way, with Japanese traditions taking precedence over everything. Scientific Revolution Lesson Plans & Resources, Revolutions in Latin America Lesson Plans, Oliver Cromwell, Hero or Villain? During this period, Japans first factory, the Tomioka Silk Mill, was built. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. Meiji Era Change or Continuity? | TEA Online Curriculum Projects An order was issued to cut off samurai-style hair. They wanted to unite the country under a new, centralized government in order to strengthen their army to defend against foreign influence. He is certified in South Carolina to teach both. Many merchants gained financial knowledge that would be used during Meijis period. He graduated with a Masters in English from Mississippi College and has a JLPT N1 pass. One of the main contributing factors to Japans modernization was the emulation of Togukawa society and the Togukawa beliefs (Craig 150). Even today, there is a law controlling the possession of swords in Japan. In addition, Japan made revisions of treaties within the Asian boarders hence having a more strengthened bond. https://www.britannica.com/question/What-caused-the-Meiji-Restoration. It occurred during a three-year period from 1866 to 1869 that traversed the end of the Edo period (often called Late Tokugawa shogunate) and beginning of the Meiji Era. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. Japan began mass-producing silk, coal, and other resources. By the end of the Meiji Restoration: Japan became a modern nation-state. The government played a huge role in social change by creating new. To maintain the firm economic foundation, the Japanese had to form institutions that could be used to harness knowledge that would assist in continuity of knowledge gained during the Togukawas era. Another major contribution to modernization was the agrarian revolution. The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. The Meiji government built Western-style buildings and used the media to promote them to the public. Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. Copyright 2003 - 2023 - UKEssays is a trading name of Business Bliss Consultants FZE, a company registered in United Arab Emirates. Abolishing the immobile class system. Bunmei Kaika is a term used to describe a social change and phenomenon that occurred in the process of Japans modernization during Meiji Restoration. Causes And Effects Of Japan's Meiji Restoration Of 1868 These aspects were key elements in the characterization of a developed nation. The basis for education was to make the citizens learned and also to counter the rapid changes that occurred in the modern world. What were the effects of Bushido on Japan after the Meiji Restoration? This political revolution "restored" the emperor to power, but he did not rule directly. What were the 3 most important events of the Meiji Restoration? Railroad In 1872, the railroad between Shimbashi and Yokohama was opened and steam locomotives began to operate. This inequality left Japan with a big chip on its shoulder. There were three main causes of the Meiji Restoration: First, internal problems in Japan made ruling the country too difficult. The Japanese mainly relied on imported ideals during restoration in order emulate Western nations who, in the Japanese eyes were advanced and powerful. Secondly, there were countries that were grouped for trading. The development of industries during the Togukawa period resulted into the subsequent growth of many industries during the Meiji era. These major transitions created a more clear foundation for exercising democracy in the Japanese government. The overall effect of the Meiji Restoration on Japan was that it brought Japan from isolation to a more modernized power. There were many causes for the Meiji Restoration, including rice inflation (samurai paid in rice), a decaying bureaucracy, increasing interactions with foreign technology. Japan thought that they had been left behind in terms of modernization.