Meiji Restoration

The other questions will come from the prescribed syllabus points:

● the historical context, including:

– key developments that allowed modernisation to take place in Japan, eg the decline of the bakufu, the changed role of the samurai, and the arrival of the ‘Black Ships’ and Commodore Perry

● the nature of the Meiji Restoration, including:

– how and why Japanese modernisation occurred

DEFINITIONS:

Zaibatsu- a group of industrial and financial companies that controlled a large part of the economy of Japan until World War II. Responsible for westernisation

Japanese Modernisation:

Japanese modernisation was a pivotal period that unfolded during the late 19th century as a result of the Meiji Restoration, a significant turning point in Japanese history. The Meiji Restoration was a response to the growing pressure from Western powers and the urgent need to modernise in order to avoid colonisation. This period of transformation encompassed a wide range of reforms that touched every aspect of Japanese society.

One of the driving forces behind Japanese modernisation was the push for industrialisation. The Japanese government invested heavily in building factories, improving infrastructure, and promoting technological advancements to boost the country's economic power. This shift towards industrialisation not only strengthened Japan's economy but also laid the foundation for its future growth and development.

Furthermore, the Meiji government implemented sweeping reforms in education to equip the population with the knowledge and skills needed to propel the country forward. The establishment of modern educational institutions and the adoption of a standardised curriculum played a crucial role in shaping a literate and skilled workforce that could support Japan's modernisation efforts.

In addition to industrialisation and education reforms, Japan also looked to the West for inspiration in restructuring its military and political systems. The adoption of Western military tactics and the modernisation of the armed forces helped Japan strengthen its defense capabilities and assert its position on the world stage.

Overall, Japanese modernisation was a multifaceted process that encompassed not only economic and technological advancements but also profound social and cultural changes. It marked a transformative period in Japanese history that set the stage for Japan's emergence as a major global power in the 20th century.

– the role of individuals and groups in the Meiji Restoration

Individuals and Groups in the Meiji Restoration: Key figures like Emperor Meiji, samurai, and Western-educated elites played crucial roles in modernising Japan during the Meiji Restoration. They implemented political, social, and economic reforms to transform Japan into a modern nation.

Emperor Meiji and Japanese Modernisation: Emperor Meiji's reign marked a pivotal period in Japanese history known as the Meiji Restoration. His visionary leadership and commitment to progress led to sweeping reforms that transformed Japan from a feudal society to a modern nation. Through initiatives such as industrialisation, education reform, and the adoption of Western technologies, Japan rapidly modernised to catch up with Western powers. The modernisation process was driven by a desire to strengthen Japan's position on the global stage, enhance its military capabilities, and ensure its economic growth and stability. Emperor Meiji's influence and the collective efforts of the Japanese people propelled the country into a new era of prosperity and advancement.

– consequences of modernisation for Japan, the region and the Emperor

Changes to Education

• If society was to change and modernise, the meiji reformers knew that the education system also had to change. It was based on the American and French models

• Like military conscriptions, mass schooling was seen as a source of the economic and military strength of the west 

• The 1872 Education Act — established compulsory nationally funded primary education and developed each area into districts with schools for 4 years.

• School was to emphasise practical/ technical learning and independent thinking. The school system was also used to teach children to be patriotic towards the emperor

  • 1885–– 46% school attendance

  • 1900–– 90% school attendance

  • 1905–– 98% school attendance

Changes in politics

The Meiji Constitution served as a pivotal point in Japan's modernisation journey, blending Western governance structures with traditional Japanese values. This fusion was a balance between embracing progressive ideas from the West while upholding the Japanese culture. The emphasis on the state's significance over individual freedoms was a strategic move to foster national unity and drive collective progress. This approach aimed to steer the country towards rapid development and catch up with the advanced Western nations. The legal framework of the Meiji Constitution drew its authority from the divine status of the emperor (emperor meiji), positioning him as the ultimate source of power and legitimacy. By linking the concept of 'Eternal Ages,' the constitution sought to establish a seamless connection with Japan's historical roots, ensuring continuity and reinforcing the emperor's authority. The emperor's absolute right under the constitution granted him extensive powers, enabling him to wield supreme authority and guide the nation through the transformative era of modernisation.

• Meiji Constitution Basis: Fusion of Western models and Japanese principles.

• State's Importance: Emphasised over individual liberties for unity and progress.

• Legal Power Basis: Derived from emperor's divine authority.

• 'Eternal Ages' Linkage: Ensured historical continuity and legitimacy.

• Emperor's Absolute Right: Maintained supreme authority with extensive powers.

The Charter oath

The Charter Oath was a significant proclamation made by Emperor Meiji of Japan in 1868, shortly after the Meiji Restoration. It outlined the guiding principles and aspirations for the new government and laid the foundation for Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern nation-state. The Charter Oath was intended to signify a break from the past and signal a new era of reform and progress.

Key Components of the Charter Oath:

The first article of the Charter Oath expressed the commitment to establish deliberative assemblies and promote public discussion, a democratic government. Became more inclusive of all classes

The second article emphasised the importance of promoting prosperity for all social classes and regions. How it will become democratic — making it clear that anyone can serve in government, despite social status and everyone can vote

The third article declared the abolition of the rigid feudal class system, which had characterised Japanese society for centuries. This move towards equality before the law, create a more egalitarian society.

The fourth article emphasised the importance of knowledge and education in advancing national progress. This commitment to intellectual development aimed to modernise Japan's educational system and foster innovation and technological advancement. Sign of westernisation.

The fifth article of the Charter Oath shows the Universal good recognising that knowledge throughout  Japan will be spread. reflected a departure from Japan's previous policy of isolationism and marked a new era of engagement with the global community. Westernisation sign.

Significance of the Charter Oath:

Symbol of Modernisation: The Charter Oath symbolised Japan's commitment to modernisation and reform. It laid out a clear vision for the future, emphasising principles such as democracy, equality, education, and international cooperation, which were essential for Japan's transformation into a modern nation.

Political Reforms: The Charter Oath paved the way for significant political reforms, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, the promulgation of a constitution, and the creation of a parliamentary system. These reforms laid the groundwork for Japan's transition to a democratic state.

Social Transformation: The abolition of the feudal class system and the promotion of common welfare marked a profound social transformation in Japan. It led to the dismantling of traditional social hierarchies and the emergence of a more egalitarian society.

Educational Development: The emphasis on education in the Charter Oath laid the foundation for the modernisation of Japan's educational system. This focus on learning and knowledge acquisition played a crucial role in Japan's rapid economic and technological development in the following decades.

Societal reforms and changes

• rapid abolition of feudal system - daimyo requested to give up their domains by july 1869; domains abolished and transformed into prefectures by 1871

• feudal lords and samurai offered a yearly stipend (a sum of money paid at regular times), then one-time payment in government bonds (lending the government money to get paid back interest periodically)

• samurai lost class privileges - top knots, then swords

• armies of each domain disbanded in favour of national army

• Diversity of intellectual; and political thought

• Growing independence and empowerment of women

• Movement of peasants from countryside to factories

• Samurai and Daimyo class abolished themselves (very rare)

• In 1870’s the government took incremental steps to reduce the power of the samurai

• This was necessary in order to reform society from a hereditary status system to a meritocracy. This was necessary – Samurai stipends were costing the government 50% of public revenue

Governmental reforms

• diet (japan’s bicameral legislature) 1889

• Meiji (imperial) constitution 1890 till the end of ww1

Economic reforms

• abolition of feudalism

• currency (yen) adopted 1872

• encouragement of foreign trade

• expansion and encouragement of industrialisation

• growth of factories (textiles workers were women)

• land reform

• zaibatsu built and expanded

Military reforms

• Before Meiji era: Armies were run by local daimyo and thus not submissive to a central government

• Meiji era: modern army and navy established which were loyal to the Japanese government (indoctrination) 

• Used Prussia (Germany) as a primary model

• Firm belief that if Japan was to be taken seriously by Western powers, and was to avoid China’s fate, Japan would have to compete militarily

• Conscription (1873) — all men had to serve for 3 years after turning 21

growth of Japanese militarism and imperialism following the Restoration

• The state education system:

  Which strongly enforced ideas such as severe nationalism and the invincibility of Japan’s armies directly cultivated a society that highly values and promotes military strength, discipline, and readiness.

• Japans ideology:

  Japan admired powerful countries that expanded their control over others but also criticised their arrogance. (saw powerful nations as models of strength, but critisised them for being ‘bullies’ (domineering))

  Japan's was sad for the west looking down at them but they also looked down at their neighbours as they were the only ones not colonised by the west

  Japan's defeat of China was not just decisive but also displayed racist contempt for other Asian nations.

  Due to the nature of imperialism at the time in order for

  Japan to be equal to other western powers it had to acquire colonies of it’s own, this can be seen with the battle of Lushunkou .

• Giving the Samurai purpose bar revolting. Another factor leading to the Sino-Japanese war (1894-1895) was the strong need for the large military class that had been robbed of their political capital and social standing to be preoccupied serving the state so they did not band together as seen with the 1877 Satsuma rebellion.

• Military Independence. The Army and Navy’s independence from parliamentary control allowed them to advocate for militaristic solutions to national problems, these solutions only required the approval of the Emperor

• Lack of raw materials. The Japanese archipelago’s geography means that it has minimal amounts of valuable raw materials such as oil, coal, iron, rubber. Additionally Japan’s relatively mountainous interior (due to lying on a fault line) means that Japan was struggling to feed its population. This gave them direct motivation to conquer foreign territories as a way of securing these resources in the event of a total war.

– the significance of the Meiji Restoration in Japan, Asia and the reactions of the West

1. Transformation of Japan: The Meiji Restoration marked the overthrow of the feudal government and the establishment of a modern, centralised state under Emperor Meiji. It initiated rapid industrialisation, modernisation, and Westernisation of Japan's political, social, economic, and military systems. This allowed Japan into becoming the first world country it is today.

2. Asian Perspective: The Meiji Restoration's impact extended beyond Japan, influencing Asian countries' perceptions of modernisation and Westernisation such as China. Japan's successful transformation challenged the prevailing notion of Western superiority and inspired other Asian nations to pursue modernisation to resist Western imperialism.

3. Reaction of the West: The West initially viewed Japan's rapid modernisation with surprise and admiration. Japan's ability to transform itself into a global power within a short span astonished Western nations, leading to a reevaluation of Japan's position in the international community. For example, Japan being included during the negotiations at the Versailles Peace Conference in 1919, being considered one of the “big five”

4. Shift in Power Dynamics: The Meiji Restoration reshaped power dynamics in Asia, challenging the dominance of Western colonial powers and positioning Japan as a significant player on the world stage. Japan's emergence as a modernised nation-state disrupted the traditional balance of power in Asia and signalled the beginning of Japan's imperial ambitions.