Meiji restoration

Mass Industrialization

Period where society quickly advances from horse-drawn carriages to steam trains and machine-made products, leading to power disparities.

Shogun

Military leader in medieval Japan who held real power and had control over the Samurai.

Tokugawa shogunate

Ruling family of Japan for 250 years, focused on maintaining peace, implementing strict hierarchy, and closing off the country to foreigners except the Dutch.

Commodore Matthew Perry

American naval officer who arrived in Japan with gunships, forcing the country to open up to trade through intimidation.

Meiji Restoration

Overthrow of the Shogunate, restoration of imperial authority under Emperor Meiji, and modernization reforms in Japan.

Meiji's Second Priority

Disassembling Japan's rigid social hierarchy to bring all tiers to equal status, except for the lower regard of women.

Education in Meiji Era

Both boys and girls were given 4 years of education to foster innovation and give all kiddos the smarts to become Japan's next innovators.

Modernization in Japan

Incorporating western techniques in art and architecture, while encouraging a distinct Japanese identity through teaching national culture and a standardized language.

Japan's Conscription Army

Transitioning to a western-style conscript army with mandatory service for all in order to defend against European militaries.

Samurai and Daimyo

Samurai and Daimyo lost social rank and military honor in the reforms of the Meiji era, leading to the end of the Samurai class.

Imperialism in Japan

Imperial Japan emerged following the Meiji Restoration, focusing on nation-building, industrialization, political reforms, and imperial expansion in the late 19th century.

Japanese imperialism expanded as Japan annexed territories like Korea and Taiwan, leading to conflicts with China, Russia, and the West.

WWII and Japan

Japan's involvement in WWII, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, led to the downfall of the Japanese Empire in 1945.

Art

Art plays a crucial role in enriching historical discussions by providing visual representations of different time periods and cultures.

Language

Language is an essential aspect of history, shaping how societies communicate, document events, and pass down traditions over time.

Culture

Culture is a key component in understanding the nuances of historical events, reflecting the values, beliefs, and practices of different societies.

why was Commodore Mathew Perry significant

Commodore Matthew Perry led the American expedition to open up Japan for trade by threatening war if they didn't allow American imports. This marked the end of Japan's 200 years of isolation.

Samurai reforms

Samurai were reformed into a national military under marshal Yamagata Aritomo with the introduction of national conscription for men over 20, leading to changes in the social structure.

Russo-Japanese War

Began in 1905 with Japan launching a sneak attack on the Russian fleet in Port Arthur, resulting in a firm defeat of the Russians.

Annexation of Korea

Japan annexed Korea in 1910, following Emperor Meiji's death, solidifying Japanese control over the region.

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

The alliance between Britain and Japan was abandoned in 1920, leading to tensions between the two nations.