meji restoration (whap) 3.8

Introduction to the Meiji Restoration

• Overview: Part of a broader lesson on imperialism in Asia

• Focus: Events surrounding Japan's Meiji Restoration

• Importance of combining this lecture with in-class assignments on India and China

Key Understanding of Industrialism and Imperialism

• Industrialism and imperialism impacted Asia, leading to complex local responses

• Conceptual Framework:

  • Resistance & Maintenance of Traditions: linked to conservatism

  • Adaptation to New Ideas & Constitutions: associated with liberalism

Initial Image Analysis

• Activity: Observe the photos presented, infer status and identity

• Subject: Meiji Emperor

• Understanding change: Explore shifts in identity and societal status through images

Historical Context of the Tokugawa Shogunate

• Early 1600s: Response to growing European influence

  • Sakoku Policy:

    • Foreign policy of seclusion; limited trade with Europeans

    • Dutch permitted limited trade on one island

• Cultural Flourishing during the Edo Period:

  • The capital, Edo (modern-day Tokyo), became a center for arts

  • Development of Haiku poetry, Kabuki, and Bunraku theatre

• Engagement with Western knowledge:

  • Universities offered classes in Rangaku (Dutch learning)

  • Awareness of technological advancements without direct adoption

Pressure to Open Japan and Perry's Expedition

• Early 1800s: Weakening Tokugawa state and repeated calls by European powers to open ports for trade

• Commodore Matthew Perry's Arrival (1853):

  • Introduced steam-powered ships and American weaponry

  • Demanded treaty for trade and refueling access

• Treaty of Kanagawa (1854):

  • Established diplomatic relations with the US, leading to increased foreign presence

• Internal Reaction:

  • Traditionalists vs. reformists within Japan's government

  • Some favored opening up and industrializing, while others resisted

The Boshin War and Restoration of Imperial Power

• Boshin War (1868):

  • Civil conflict between the Tokugawa shogunate (traditionalists) and imperial loyalists

  • Imperial power secured; rise of the Meiji government

• Emperor Mutsuhito (Meiji):

  • Aims to industrialize Japan to compete globally

  • Narrative of restoration is somewhat misleading, as emperors were largely figureheads prior to this

Meiji Restoration: Goals and Achievements

• Meiji Restoration characterized by:

  • Centralization and industrialization of state

  • Use of nationalism to foster unity and a competitive spirit with foreign powers

• Emphasis on:

  • Learning from Western practices in governance and industry

  • Modernizing education and societal structures

• Structural changes in society:

  • End of feudalism; samurai transitioned to bureaucratic roles

  • Establishment of constitutional government with limited voting rights

Conclusion and Further Study

• Meiji era's impact:

  • Marked Japan's emergence as a modern imperial power

• Upcoming focus on comparative analysis of Meiji Restoration, Qing dynasty events, and the 1857 rebellion in British India

• Encouraged inquiries for deeper understanding of Japanese history and the Meiji Restoration