Japanese Empire Notes

1603-1868

During the tokugawa period (1603-1868), Japan unofficially adopted a policy of isolation from foreign influence, limiting trade and contact with other nations. Japan thrived under the work of peasants agraicultural actions that supported Japan’s economy.

In the 1600’s who held political power in japan?

According to japan’s feudal system at the time, the shogunate (military dictators) held political power - comparitvely, more than the emperor monarch.

1543

In 1543, Japan would have connection with the western world for the first time. This would be in the form of portugeuse sailors drifting onto the island of Tanegashima . During the trading period, firearms, shipbuilding techniques and christianity were introduced.

1633-39

The isolationist policy - known as the sakoku policy lasted from 1633-1639. It was implemented because tokagawa feared the impact and influence of christianity in japan so he sought to eliminate the threat from the western world. Relations in trade were limited to the dutch (in europe), china and korea in asia.

1853/54

Commodore Mathew perry of the US navy, arrived south of the yakohama with 4 iron clas-steam powered with heavy guns warships to force a trade agreement - putting an end to 220 years of isolation in japan.

Under a threat of force, japan was forced to comply with the American conditions for trade called the treaty of kanagawa in 1854. More such treaties would be signed with russia, britain and france without the emporors consent. The shogunate was afraid of western power - ANGER.

1866

The three strongest provinces in japan form an alliance calles the Sacho alliance to oppose the Tokugawa shogunate and return power back to the emporor.

1867

The emporor passes away and his son - emporor meiji took power. Civil unrest continues - leading to the resignation of tokugawa in november

1868

The end of the boshin war and subsequent fall of edo overthrew the shogunate. This marks the end of the tokugawa military dictatorship and beginning of the meiji era.

1868

After taking the throne, emperor meiji’s cabinet had implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Japan known as the meiji restoration.

This meant severe social, political and economic change in japan leading to its westernization.

The principles of Emperor Meiji’s goal can be directed to the charter: oath of five principles written by Yuri Kimimasa in 1868 which guided japan to industrialisation with government policies for the upcoming decades.

1871

The establishment of the first modern bureaucratic government in Japan, known as the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the abolition of the feudal system, which led to the creation of prefectures.

In 1871, the iwakura mission conducted by the japanese to tour the United States and Europe aimed to study their political systems and technologies.

First railway is beginning to be made, a government postal system is established

1872

introduction of a national railway system in Japan, which facilitated transportation and trade, further aiding industrialization

The first silk mill to import western technology - the power loom from britain which was better adapted for silk production and improve the quality of raw silk produced in Japan using this machinery.

the former peasant clas, samurai class and women and children would work in industries.

children were brought up with patriotism. Emperor Meiji and his oligarchs spent the next four decades making education compulsory for 4 years

Lighting with gas is introduced to japanese society

Main goals of the officials were to implement land tax reforms as well as the conscription law of january 1873

1889

The formaton in 1881 and promulgation of the Meiji Constitution in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy in Japan:

a bicameral diet (parliment)

to bridge the gap between the past and present - maintained the empire by giving ultimate power to emperor

gave 4 percent of japanese men to vote (rich men)

Reformed its program to radically get rid of unequal treaties in the past - gain control over own country.

Reformation of legal code in 1889 so little reason for foreign nations like Britain to live under another justice system.

1890

By 1890’s, japan had transformed into having the most modern army in asia bringing japan multiple victories and improving its position as a strong imperial power.

Meiji restoration

The Meiji Restoration (1868-1912) and modernisation transformed Japan from a feudal to an industrialised nation, affecting other nations. Japan's quick yet effective change during this time secured its sovereignty and made it a global power. The Japanese leaders' determination and intelligence during the Meiji Restoration led to a remarkable period of reinvention and advancement.

Meiji restoration: consequences

Many other products were produced, but the high cost of the investments/factories put a strain on the government's finances. So the newly constructed industries were sold to private investors in 1880.

Voting rights were only given to the wealthiest male citizens.

decline in population working in agriculture due to more in industry, finance and trade. led to uprisings in agricultural labourers - between 1869-1874.

between 1883 and 1890, 300,000 famrers had to sell their land and the either move to cities to find work or take on jobs as labourers in cities.

because taxes had to be paid in cash instead of rice

Satsuma rebellion - 1877, no respect for the samurai due to abolition of feudal system in Japanese society. No privileges in income or lifestyle.

Meiji restoration - world view

gained respect from the western world

improved diplomatic relations with the US

Because of the abolition of feudalism, people were free to choose their occupations in newly emerging industries like silk, trade and government.

The government was in a position to invest in new industries and technologies.

progression towards democracy

MEIJI - Negatives

Government could not keep affording to build or invest on industries since it had to foot the bill to compensate samurai in 1876, and to pay to put down the satsuma rebellion of 1877.

Japan’s quick shift from a feudalistic society to modernization in socieal hierarchies and the economy led to significant social unrest, including a decline in traditional roles and increased unrest among the lower classes. Additionally, growing inequality and discontent among peasants and workers resulted in protests and uprisings due to harsh taxation and economic pressures.

IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS 2

Telegraph lines in 1869-transport and communication

government investments built railways and shipping lines.