The Meiji Restoration, Detailed Notes

Arrival of Perry's Black Ships (1853)

Japanese fishing village observes black ships, which are steam vessels commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry from the USA.
Japanese fishermen and villagers react with alarm, temple bells ring, and guard boats struggle to keep up.
American arrival: Warriors, archers, cavalry, infantry, and bronze cannons line the shore.
Japanese are astonished by American guns, contrasting with their bows.

Commodore Perry arrives in July 1853 to spread Western policies and negotiate treaties.
Perry's fleet: two steamships, two sailing vessels, 977 men, and 66 guns.
The Treaty of Kanagawa opens Japanese ports to Americans, establishes an American consulate, meets demands for sailors and coal, and agrees to further trading rights in 1858.
Japan signs similar treaties with France, England, Russia, and The Netherlands.

Treaties are seen as unequal because the Americans gain more than the Japanese.
Japanese people resent these treaties and desire to revolt.
The Japanese government was compelled to sign the treaties due to Perry's demonstration of military strength and fear of foreign domination, like what happened in the Opium Wars in China.

Honor the Emperor and Expel the Barbarians: Traditional patriotic view favoring war against the Westerners, emphasizing Japanese morals and superiority.
Selective Westernization: Advocates adopting some Western elements while retaining Japanese values.
Open Trade: Acknowledges the necessity of change, the importance of overseas trade, and welcomes Americans and Europeans.

Disagreement over the Shogunate and foreigners leads to violence.
Daimyo oppose the Shogun and foreigners, resulting in gunboat bombardments by foreign powers.
In 1868, the Shogun resigns, petitioning the Emperor to take over.
The Boshin War erupts between those supporting the Shogun and the Emperor.
Emperor's troops attack the Shogunate stronghold, leading to its fall.

Prince Muzahid becomes Emperor Meiji at age 15, marking the beginning of enlightened rule.
The primary goal is to prevent Western takeover of Japan by building a strong economy and military.
Two goals:
- Create a strong central government.
- Establish a form of government similar to Western democratic states.
The imperial court moves from Kyoto to Tokyo.

Daimyo encouraged to turn over land to the state in exchange for pensions and compensations.
The samurai system is abolished.
Samurai lose tax-free income, and the feudal system ends.
Only the government can collect taxes.

A series of laws and oaths designed to ensure peace, equality, and fair treatment.
Key principles:
- Participation in Discussion: Encourages discussion on national matters, transforming Japan from a monarchy to a democracy.
- Unity in Administration: All classes unite in administering state affairs.
- Pursuit of Calling: Everyone is allowed to pursue their own calling, ensuring no disconnect between people.
- Rejection of Evil Customs: Unethical traditions are abandoned in favor of just laws.
- Global Knowledge: Knowledge is sought worldwide to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule.

Initially, the Japanese education model emulates the American and Western systems.
Later, the focus shifts to traditional values and developing respect.
Western schools emphasize critical thinking and creativity while Japanese schools teach children what to think rather than how to think.
Many families cannot afford to send their children, especially daughters, to school. Illiteracy persists in rural areas.

Despite the Charter Oath, family patterns remain largely unchanged, with fathers retaining decision-making power.
Class distinctions persist, with common people looking up to superiors.
Rural peasant life remains challenging due to high taxes and sharecropping.

The Industrial Revolution dramatically changed goods production in the West.
Japan rapidly embraces industrialization, completing it in about 30 years.
Japan adapts technology faster, learning from Western advancements.
Perry's gifts, including a miniature steam engine and telegraph sets, catalyze technological advancement.
The government undertakes a project to gather knowledge about Western technology and culture.
Japanese representatives study shipbuilding, military structures, factories, medicine, banking, law, and more in the US and Europe.