The Meiji Restoration

Introduction

In 1868 the political uprising that ended the military government of the Tokugawa shogunate is known as Meiji Restoration. The aim was to restore imperial power under Mutsuhito, this was the decline of the Edo (Tokugawa) era 1603–1867 in Japanese history (the emperor Meiji). It ended the roughly 700-year period of “samurai,” “bushi,” or other traditional Japanese warriors' control, which had its beginnings as early as the 12th century. The emperor was “restored” by the political uprising, but not with direct control. He was supposed to follow the group's recommendations since they overthrew the shôgun.

Samurai Statues, Kochi City, Japan

Description-Statues of three samurai who were prominent in the Meiji Restoration

Reform and rebellion

Most of the commanders were young samurai from Hans in restoration, or feudal territories, that had traditionally been antagonistic to Tokugawa rule. The rising domestic issues with the potential of foreign intrusion drove these people. The first step was moving the capital city from Kyoto to the capital of Edo, later it was renamed Tokyo, in 1868. By 1871, when the domains were formally abolished and replaced with a prefecture structure that has persisted to the current day, the administrative rearrangement had essentially been completed.

All advantages accorded to feudal classes were also eliminated. A national army was also created in 1871. In the middle of the 1870s, resistance was grown against the revolutionary reforms. The advent of liberal Western ideals sparked a burgeoning public rights movement that demanded constitutional-based government establishment and increased involvement by assemblies.

Rebellion Defeated

Even though these modifications were made in the interests of the emperor and national security, some people rebelled as a result of their loss of privileges. The major focus of internal reform throughout the following 20 years, in the 1870s and 1880s, was to transform Japan's social and economic structures following the template offered by the powerful Western nations. The Satsuma uprising of 1877 was the final straw for traditional samurai when the newly formed government army, armed with modern Western weaponry and trained in European infantry platoons, crushed the last of the traditional samurai warriors. Only with a few exceptions to samurai uprisings, Japan's domestic transformation advanced with an unusually high rate of speed, vigour, and popular support.

Social and Economic Changes

Feudalism's demise made way for major socio-political changes. People had the flexibility to choose jobs and travel. By establishing a fresh climate of monetary and political stability. The majority of the industries were sold to private investors by the government in 1880, and this activity was subsequently promoted by subsidies and other incentives.

The government formed the Diet, an elected parliament, along with a constitution and a national education program. They did this to respect the Westerners, create a favourable environment for national growth, and boost support for the modern state. Education had grown extensively in the Tokugawa period, later in 1872, the government formed a national system for the purpose to educate the whole populace. At least free public schools for six years in the later Meiji era. Beginning in 1890, a parliament was decided by popular vote, but only the richest 1% of the community could cast a ballot. This was altered in 1925 to grant the right to vote to all males (but not to women yet). Western countries in 1894, eventually consented to amend the treaties, although they start recognizing Japan as the same in concept as a global power.

Accomplishments of the Meiji Restoration

Parallel to the political shift during the Meiji period were developments in the economy and society. Industrialization was the government's top priority even though agriculture remained accounted for the majority of the economy. In 1872, the first railroad was constructed, and by 1890, the entire nation was. In 1882, a banking system modelled after that in Europe was put in place, and both of these actions acted to promote and energize private companies. Western science and technology were necessary for those modernization efforts and under the slogan “Civilization and Enlightenment”.

As a result of its first appearance on the international level as a significant world power, Japan won respect among the Western world. Although most of the key Meiji figures continued as genro under the new Taish emperor's (1912–26) administration, the Meiji era ended with the death of the emperor Meiji in 1912.

Conclusion

The Meiji period's most significant aspect was Japan's fight for equality with Western nations and the acknowledgement of its significant achievements. Japan organized a capitalist, industrial state along the Western model with great success. However, in Western nations, racism, and colonialism were too deeply ingrained for a “newcomer” non-white nation to compete on an equal footing for markets and natural resources. Japan felt alienated from the West because it appeared to treat European countries differently than it did with a developing Asian power like Japan, which was the source of many miscommunications between the two sides.

FAQs

Q1. When did Japan invade Korea?

Ans. After years of conflict and political activity, Japan invaded Korea in 1910, but the nation was considered a part of Japan until 1945.

Q2. Following the Meiji Restoration, what happened to the samurai?

Ans. Ex-samurai made up a portion of those intelligent young men during the Meiji Restoration. Ex-samurai not only helped create the new Japanese military but also worked as merchants, teachers, public workers, and even farmers.

Q3. Did Japan benefit or suffer from the Meiji Restoration?

Ans. Japan was able to modernize and industrialize after the Meiji Restoration, rivalling European nations in terms of their military and economic might.