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Transformation under the Meiji, 1867 to 95
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In 1868 the emperor was restored to power. In less than thirty years, Japan transformed itself into a modern state.
The Meiji Restoration
In 1868 a Restoration Coalition led by Satsuma and Choshu overthrew the shogun and 'restored' power to the young Emperor Meiji.
The new leaders' slogan was 'rich country, strong army'.
The new leaders' slogan was 'rich country, strong army'.
Reforms
Feudal domains were abolished; the samurai class lost its privileges.
A conscript army and modern navy were built.
Factories, railways and schools spread, often copying Western models. Officials travelled abroad to study the West.
The ban on Christianity was lifted (1873).
A conscript army and modern navy were built.
Factories, railways and schools spread, often copying Western models. Officials travelled abroad to study the West.
The ban on Christianity was lifted (1873).
The Meiji Constitution, 1889
Based partly on the German model.
The emperor was sacred and held supreme power; a parliament (the Diet) was elected by a small number of men.
Meiji culture mixed Western fashions and ideas with Japanese traditions.
The emperor was sacred and held supreme power; a parliament (the Diet) was elected by a small number of men.
Meiji culture mixed Western fashions and ideas with Japanese traditions.
Why did the Meiji leaders abolish the samurai's privileges?
- They wanted a modern conscript army like Western powers.
- The samurai's special status stood in the way.
- So they ended it to build a national army loyal to the emperor.
Answer: To create a modern national army and state.
The Meiji Restoration (1868) put the emperor back in power. Reforms ended feudalism and samurai privileges, created a conscript army, factories, railways and schools, and lifted the ban on Christianity. The Meiji Constitution (1889) gave the emperor supreme power and a limited Diet.
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