Meiji - Contact and Change
Meiji Japan - Contact and Change
Page 1
Overview of the period of changes in Japan during the Meiji era.
Page 2: Contact (1853)
Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in Uraga Harbour marked the entry of the first Western military force into Japan.
Brought two steamships and two sailing vessels.
Accompanied by 1000 men and 66 guns that were larger than what Japan had seen before.
Perry indicated he would return for Japan's answer to his demands.
Page 3: First Sight of Commodore Perry
Residents of a Japanese fishing village were alarmed at seeing Perry's "black ships" of smoke.
Fishermen hurried to shore, others hid away.
Japanese guard boats could not match the speed and technology of the American ships as they approached Edo.
Page 4: Japan's View of Commodore Perry
Impressions of the Americans as they arrived on Japanese soil:
Noted the contrast between traditional Japanese warriors and the Westerners.
Japanese were amazed by the foreign appearance of the Americans—touching on cultural differences.
Page 6: Japan's Isolation
Japan's isolation maintained peace and a strong sense of identity.
However, it limited participation in the technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution taking place in the West.
Page 7: Perry's Impact
Perry's demand for Japan to open to international trade posed significant implications for Japanese society and economy.
Page 8: The Return of Perry (1854)
Perry returned with 8 ships to negotiate the Treaty of Kanagawa:
Opened two Japanese ports to American ships.
Established an American consulate.
Addressed issues of shipwrecked sailors and coal supplies.
1858 led to further commercial treaties with multiple Western nations.
Japanese sentiment was largely negative towards the so-called "unequal treaties" imposed upon them, which stripped Japan of trade autonomy.
Page 9: Key Terms of the Treaty of Kanagawa
Treaty stipulated that privileges granted to any nation should also be granted to the United States automatically.
Page 10: Japanese Response to Perry
Acknowledgment of American technological superiority in weaponry.
Desire to avoid the humiliation faced by China post-Opium War.
Page 11: Causes of the Meiji Period
The experience of China influenced Japanese thinking:
Fear of becoming subservient to foreign powers.
Page 12: China's Unequal Treaties
The aftermath of the Opium War led Japan to reconsider its isolation policy and engage with the West.
Page 13: Internal Pressures
Social tensions escalated leading up to Perry's arrival:
Loss of respect for shogunate and rising civil discontent aimed at governmental inefficiency and corruption.
Page 14: Civil Unrest
Perceptions of the shogunate's weakness led to civil disorder and uprisings.
Page 15: Escalation of Violence
Disagreements that once happened in council now took to the streets:
Rioting and violence became commonplace.
Actions against the shogunate led to the arrest of dissenting daimyos and samurai.
Page 16: The Fall of the Shogunate
1868 saw the defeat of the Tokugawa Shogunate:
14-year-old Prince Mutsuhito became Emperor; adopted the reign name Meiji, meaning "enlightened rule."
Page 17: Meiji Restoration
The restoration of the Emperor took place over a three-year period:
Focus on education, improving the merchant class wealth, and increasing foreign commerce.
Page 18: New Government Ideals
Samurai who led the shogunate's defeat became advisors:
An oligarchy emerged, recognizing the need for modernization to maintain independence.
Page 19: Goals of Meiji Leaders
Two main objectives:
Establish a central government for better unity and governance.
Create a governmental form aligned with Western democracies.
Page 20: Rallying Around the Emperor
Meiji leaders emphasized loyalty to the Emperor to foster a strong national identity:
The imperial court was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo to centralize governance.
Page 21: Five Charter Oath
A foundation for the new society, outlining:
Public discussions in governance.
Unity among all social classes in administration.
Opportunities for commoners and the elimination of past injustices.
Rejection of outdated customs in favor of natural law.
Importing knowledge from around the world to strengthen imperial rule.
Page 22: Japan's Transition
The fall of the shogunate and embrace of modernization:
Adoption of Western technologies while retaining Japanese cultural identity.
Slogan: "Japanese Spirit; Western Technology!"
Page 25: Meiji Reforms
Significant social reforms during the Meiji period included:
Abolishment of the feudal system.
Initiatives for land redistribution and the protection of human rights.
Establishment of a modern navy, school system, army, constitution, and banking system.
Page 28: Opportunities for Commoners
Following the Charter Oath, commoners enjoyed new rights:
Freedom to choose their residence and profession.
Legal ownership of land for peasants, abolishing discriminatory practices.
Page 29: Institutional Changes
Continued emphasis on constitutional governance and individual rights, tempered by state interests:
Limited suffrage with only 5% eligible to vote in the first election.
Focus on industrial modernization and the privatization of state enterprises.
Page 30: Social Continuities
Despite reforms, traditional family structures persisted:
Legal authority retained by fathers over family decisions and education.
Page 31: Class Distinctions
Class systems remained intact, with ongoing influence of the samurai class on lower social standings.
Page 32: Peasant Life
Struggles in agricultural settings persisted:
High land taxes forced many into sharecropping arrangements.
Page 33: Education Access
Limited educational access, particularly for daughters, led to high illiteracy rates in rural areas lasting well into the Meiji period.
Page 34: Economic Consolidation
Industrialization efforts led to the consolidation of economic power into zaibatsu—large family-run conglomerates initiated by former samurai.
Page 35: Trade Growth
Japanese trade significantly expanded in the late 19th century, reflecting industrial growth with increasing exports and imports.
Page 36: Military Engagement
Involvement in the Sino-Japanese War illustrated Japan's rising military power and influence.
Page 38: Japanese Imperialism
Following victory in the Sino-Japanese War, Japan gained influence in Korea and later in the Russo-Japanese War, solidifying its imperial ambitions.
Page 40: Global Impact of Japanese Power
The outcomes of the Russo-Japanese War showcased Japan's newfound military capabilities and startled global powers.