lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Education brought a smooth transition to the growth and transition into the Meijis period. The new leaders in Japan resorted to reform the work system of the major territories by daimyo (Shimposha 289). They were able to create a centralized and bureaucratic government that created the Meiji Constitution in 1889. This reign opened a new era for Japan as a country in its social, political and economic aspects. The emperor was reinstated as sovereign, and he took the name Meiji. Japan first started out as an isolated nation, but soon it would become one of the most powerful countries during WWII. The Meiji Restoration was a time for change and life of women was changing. These major transitions created a more clear foundation for exercising democracy in the Japanese government. Although there were emperors of Japan before the Meiji . When the Meiji era began, many changes occurred which affected Japan's social structure and foreign relationships. The national army was created in 1871, and universal conscription meant that every Japanese man needed to serve in the military. The feudal system was swept away, along with its strict class system. In addition, the privileges of the Samurai were declined as other groups such as burakumin had legalized discrimination imposed against them. The modernization resulted into Japan being rated as the most developed in the whole of Eastern Asia. Some even thought that telegrams were delivered through the power lines in the form of letters; thus, they waited at the nearby transmission tower all day for telegrams to arrive, bringing their lunch, laying out a mat, and sitting there. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. Both the sources of these changes and the way in which they made Japan "modern" provide the material for one of human history's more dramatic stories. This Meiji restoration has given a lot of positive effects to the Meiji nationalism. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). There were three main reasons for this war and the resulting changes: This minuscule period of a half-century began with a technologically stunted Japanese shogunate in the 1860s that quickly changed and grew into an imperialistic power that would later defeat the Russian Navy. To promote the adoption of Western culture, Bunmei Kaika became a slogan during this period. What were three effects of the Meiji Restoration? Conscription system (draft system) The government also called this the blood tax.. Japan quickly instituted universal education, created a Western-style army and navy, and fell madly in love with something the American sailors were seen playing - baseball. This meant that Japan was controlled by the Genro a part of the Oligarchy. Furthermore, their genuine interest in progress economically also boosted the country in terms of economic development. The Meiji Restoration turned the mostly agricultural Japanese feudalistic economy to a laissez-faire capitalist and industrialist society, which copied and ultimately matched many countries in the West. The movement was instigated by some scholars and priests, joined by people who had a strong antipathy toward temples. They were constantly exploited and denied any freedom. This resulted to the promulgation of a new charter that was accomplished in 1968. The Meiji governance was one organized group that had one main common goal of revolution. In the event to counteract the issue, there arose a very powerful regime that resulted into a more of enlightened governance. The Meiji Restoration was a coup dtat that resulted in the dissolution of Japans feudal system of government and the restoration of the imperial system. To maintain the firm economic foundation, the Japanese had to form institutions that could be used to harness knowledge that would assist in continuity of knowledge gained during the Togukawas era. The origin of the entrepreneurs was the Sumarais. In concert with a national identity devoted in service to the emperor, this created an educated working class that could match Western industry in only a few generations. It's easy to assume that nation-states have always existed, but they didn't really until the 19th century. 430 Words; 2 Pages; Open Document. The abolition of the chonmage was also an important policy showing that Japan was aiming to become a modern and civilized nation. The Meiji Restoration was a major revolution that brought an end to over 260 years of feudal government. One of the main contributing factors to Japans modernization was the emulation of Togukawa society and the Togukawa beliefs (Craig 150). What are social effects of the meiji restoration? All rights reserved. This involved the people and the physical objects. The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation state . The system spread nationwide in 1872. However, the Western countries were still unwilling to accept Japan as a great power. Finally, the dual ideals of Bunmei Kaika or "Civilization and Enlightenment" and Fukoku Kohei or "Make the county rich and grow the military" combined Japanese aspirations for not only nationalism but also a forward-looking culture that espoused both technology and militarization. It signed treaties with America, Russia, Canada and many countries in Europe. The government played a huge role in social change by creating new laws and a constitution. The idea of nationalism and the nation-state was growing. He is certified in South Carolina to teach both. The feudal system was decaying, and factions were growing. Finally, the Japanese began to democratize its people, leading to a nationalistic fervor that combined them into a people and not simply servants of their daimyo. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? Japan watched China get pummeled and humiliated by the British for trying to prevent the Brits from selling opium. The Emperor of Meiji and other high-ranking government officials also had their hair cut short. They also began to copy the West's expanding imperialism. We'll look closely at the causes, the major accomplishments, and the effects of the Meiji Restoration. Read about the Meiji Restoration and its effects. The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges. It was of much respect to have educated friends during the Togukawas period hence this education extended into Meijis era. On the other hand, Japan had a different mindset that had been impacted by the revolution in the Meijis era. One of the these was the virtually bloodless end of the aristocratic warrior class known as the samurai. Examples of these companies are Toshiba, Noritake, Yamaha, Nippon Express, Hitachi, Shiseido and Nintendo. One of these major effects of the event was the fact that the previously feudal country was transformed into an empire that was entirely capable of competing with many of the greatest powers of the time. To provide some clarity as to how the Meiji Era occurred, one must know two things: one, the term Meiji is named after the Meiji Emperor, who lived from 1852 to 1912 C.E., and reigned over the modernization of Japan; and two, Japan had existed for hundreds of years in relative peace with little contact from the outside world thanks to the Tokugawa Shogunate, or the military leadership that had been in charge of Japan since the early 1600s. Japan thought that they had been left behind in terms of modernization. Japan accelerated industrial revolution was as a result of Meijis era. These enterprises developed into great banking companies and improved commercial businesses. The Essay Writing ExpertsUK Essay Experts. 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One more major purpose for the formation of new government was to search for international knowledge that would be helpful in strengthening the rule of imperialism. The factors that show that the Meiji era was a transformation to a new era points out the issue of constitutional promulgation, a highly developed communication and transport system, a well established industrial system that employed modern technology with a refurbished military system and lastly an established democratic government. Decent Essays. They added coffee to milk as if it were a spice. The formation of a national army. The whole of Japan became interested in Western culture and began actively adopting it. All feudal class privileges were abolished as well. What changes did the Meiji restoration bring about in japan? First, the idea of sonno joi, or "revere the emperor and expel the foreigners," took hold with those that were against the decaying power of the shogunate. Wholesale land reform has costs and inequities that make righting South Africa's central injustice through such a process inappropriate. Japanese Imperialism: Territorial Acquisitions & Wars, The Westernization of Japan During the Meiji Era. The nation was closed off to foreigners. The Tokugawa warlord system progressively transformed samurai into what a historian calls "civil servants." The Meiji period saw incredible social transformation. A nation-state is a country where the population shares a common national and cultural identity. Besides, these aims were greatly achieved by carrying out reforms. The grouped countries were Netherlands and China. Countries that acted as partners were like the Great Britain. You know, like old cars polished and souped-up to look like new again. They comprised part of the military, teaching staff, makers of guns and government officials. A privy council composed of the Meiji genro, created prior to the constitution, advised the emperor and wielded actual power. This was in terms of business knowledge advancements. Parallel to this was the Land Tax Reform, or chisokaisei, which removed the feudal regions owned by the regional lords and placed them back in the hands of the people. This issue eventually led to the creation of an opportunity for revolution in the labor force. The Japanese disposed of their feudal system for a representational government, copied many Western ideas, and unified into an educated yet imperialistic country. The collection includes accounts of daily life in Japan, material about missionary activities, and the writings of diplomats and long-term residents of Japan discussing the impact of Westerners on Japanese society, as well as the history of the foreign communities in Japan. The Meiji government did not intend to eliminate Buddhism itself. The second major slogan was Fukoku Kohei, or enrich the country, strengthen the army. These were finally sold to international markets and enhanced trade across borders. This focus encouraged Japan to build a modern nation-state that could stand toe-to-toe with the Western powers. Nikita Khrushchev Career & Destalinization | Who was Nikita Khrushchev? Likewise, the educators of Meiji Japan (especially early on) were largely drawn from the shizoku. Towards the end of the 19th century, Japan was copying the imperialism that it saw in other Western countries. Therefore, Japan overstepped many countries in East Asia to top the ranks of the most powerful countries. It was at the time of the era that Japan started emerging as a big international trade country. The leaders of the restoration were mostly young samurai from feudal domains (hans) historically hostile to Tokugawa authority, notably Chsh, in far western Honshu, and Satsuma, in southern Kyushu. In some ways, the worship of Western civilization created a sense that Japanese traditional culture was inferior, consisting of old habits. Some critics argue that the strict binary gender differences, which are characteristics of modern society, were not present before the Meiji period in Japan (Sogojyoseishi Kenkyukai, 1993: 118-21; Yokota, 1995: 364). These advancements could only apply to a country that has improved. Major contributors to economic development were road construction networks that led to developments of central business district. By the end of the Meiji Restoration: Japan became a modern nation-state. Japan also built a strong navy. The cause for the first reinvention, also known as the Meiji restoration, was foreign influence let into the country by the shoguns. Over 100 years after the Meiji Era, the first McDonalds restaurant, first Starbucks store, and first Apple retail store in Japan were all in Ginza. Japan's success in modernization has created great interest in why and how it was able to adopt Western political, social, and economic institutions in so short a time. confiscation. More narrowly, was the character of Meiji institutions determined by the social composition of the anti-Tokugawa movement, or did it derive from a situation that took shape only after the Bakufu was overthrown? Members of the ruling samurai class had become concerned about the shogunates ability to protect the country as more Western countries attempted to open Japan after more than two hundred years of virtual isolation. The reforms enacted during the Meiji emperors rule brought about the modernization and Westernization of the country and paved the way for Japan to become a major international power. Creation of a well-developed communication system. The Meiji Restoration turned a feudalistic Japan into an educated, technological, and expansionistic nation that was intent on conquering Asia. Order to abolish swords A law prohibiting the former samurai class from carrying swords was enforced. On the other hand, the samurai still held their heads high since they still remained the most educated of all in the society (More 55). A military dictator, or shogun, ruled over everyone. 'Restoration' sounds like you're going back, making things look how they used to look. This called for a more technical force that would deal with the different forms of technology (Ebrey 550). Registered office: Creative Tower, Fujairah, PO Box 4422, UAE. The daimyo rule was later abolished by 1871. In order not to be misunderstood about the new Japan, the new Meiji government, which was aiming at westernization, called Japans indigenous customs and beliefs evil and old customs and adopted policies to enlighten the peoples lost mongrel In accordance with the policy of the new government, local governments took the initiative to eliminate traditional lifestyle culture and folk customs, and many folk customs have been reduced or discontinued due to the effects of the policy of civilization. That was followed, after the end of the fighting, by the dismantling of the old feudal regime. This therefore meant that the Japanese had the most powerful transformation which occurred within a single generation. By the 20th century, Japan had a modern constitution and national parliament, though it was not truly democratic. So all of a sudden, Japan had a highly educated population with more social mobility. Most scholars, however, insisted that it was left to Japan to decide at the time of . This was the negative effects of social changes during Meiji Restoration. But rather, they were the victims of a violent outburst of a feeling of imperialist entitlement by a country that had created a narrative about its own role in Asia, which its Chinese neighbors resolutely did not share. There was no military in Japan during the Edo Period. How did the Meiji Restoration change Japan? To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. This biasness was cut off by the Meijis rule. If your specific country is not listed, please select the UK version of the site, as this is best suited to international visitors. This eventually led to their expansion. Those uprisings were repressed only with great difficulty by the newly formed army. The Japanese emperors in that time knew well that for them to make it through the wars that were foreseen, they were to be well armed as the imperial superpowers. Japan went as far as being accepted as a member in the Ruling Directorate of International Society. Corrections? Updates? In 1875, an ordinance was promulgated, requiring all people to use surnames. Consequently, western technology was greatly employed by domestic companies to produce highly sophisticated products. to modernize. The restoration event itself consisted of a coup dtat in the ancient imperial capital of Kyto on January 3, 1868. Western-style clothing The first Japanese to wear clothes were the imperial family and the military personnel. Disgruntled samurai participated in several rebellions against the government, the most famous being led by the former restoration hero Saig Takamori of Satsuma. It was presented as a gift from the emperor to the people, and it could be amended only upon imperial initiative. Japan's Cabinet Secretariat has the overall responsibility for the implementation of the framework. Finally, industrialization became a major focus after seeing Commodore Perry's powerful ships and weapons. https://www.britannica.com/event/Meiji-Restoration, Asia for Educators - The Meiji Restoration and Modernization, The abolition of the feudal system and all feudal class privileges, The construction of transport and communication systems. They employed a sense of honor in their duties hence accomplished their work with diligence. They were subordinate to the shogun and nominally to the emperor and the kuge.In the term, dai () means 'large', and my stands for myden ( . The war ended in the northern island of Hokkaido after the remaining forces of the shogunate tried to create a breakaway empire and were quashed. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Tomioka Silk Mill (started operation in 1872) To promote modernization, the Meiji government also focused on the construction of Western-style factories. What were the causes of the Japanese industrial revolution? What were the causes and effects of the Meiji Restoration? The Meiji Restoration also saw a dramatic increase in Westernisation, as Japan rapidly industrialised and adopted many Western technologies and ideas. Matthew Hodge has taught English and Japanese at the high school level for 15 years and college for five. A strong national army and navy became a main priority. During the Meiji Period, which ended with the emperor's death in 1912, the country experienced significant social, political and economic change-including the abolition of the feudal system and. Modernization of the education system was one of the main goals of the new Meiji government. The development resulted into Japan becoming a powerful industrial country. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. While a much more populated China had fallen into bloody civil wars and confrontations with the West, Japan's rise was markedly peaceful and successful, leading to further imperialistic expansion in the lead up to World War II. There were three main causes of the Meiji Restoration: First, internal problems in Japan made ruling the country too difficult. It is at this time that Japan was controlled by the Samurai and daimyo who had received power transition from Tokugawa era. Economic Effects of Meiji Restoration. Japan created an efficient rail system, improved communications technology, and started mechanizing industry. After this, the Japanese quickly sent "observers" to the West to understand its culture while copying much of the technology they had missed over the previous centuries: the steamboat, the railroad, guns, and artillery. These were all possible thanks to the nation's modernized military and industrialization systems as Japan adapted from Western nations as it aimed to become a world power. During the Meiji Restoration, social change was synonymous with modernization and Westernization. They wanted to unite the country under a new, centralized government in order to strengthen their army to defend against foreign influence. Japan before the Meiji restoration In 1839 and 1856 Asian nations were shocked by Britain's crushing victories over China in the two Opium Wars. Another reform was in the area of education. Establishment of a rapidly growing industrial sector based on the latest technology. Due to the fact that Western nations were involved in Imperialism prior to and during the same time as the Meiji period, the wealth and power the European nations gained stood out to the Japanese. The result for these radical steps was the rise of a very powerful Asian country from a very humble beginning. Looking for a flexible role? This aspect was going to be very crucial but the leaders were dedicated to bring change in Japan. In areas such as Ginza, gas lamps were installed on both sides of the roads, and lamps became popular in private homes. The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan into something new: a modern nation-state. 7 chapters | Separation of Buddhism and Shintoism The main purpose of the policy of separating Shintoism and Buddhism was to change Japans official religion from Buddhism, which was the dominant religion in the Edo Era, to Shintoism. The Meiji Restoration was a coup d'tat that resulted in the dissolution of Japan's feudal system of government and the restoration of the imperial system. According to document 1, Japan was isolated from 1635-1853.1853 to 1854.This was . The industrial sector was also transformed to modern manufacturing industry like those that only appeared in the West. The major challenges that affected the Meijis rule were born by the negative effects of the Shogunate. In addition, advancement in technology impacted the following areas; the military, political system and lastly the social aspect. They saw that they needed to strengthen themselves to stand up to the Western powers - and with China humiliated, there was an opportunity to become the new big dog in Asia.