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Lesson 20 EQ: What was the Meiji Restoration and how did it change Japan?. Objective: SWBAT describe what the Meiji Restoration is and how this era changed Japan Do Now: Wh y did Japan open up its borders to trade in 1854 after 2000 years of isolation?
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Lesson 20EQ:What was the Meiji Restoration and how did it change Japan?
Objective: • SWBAT describe what the Meiji Restoration is and how this era changed Japan • Do Now: • Why did Japan open up its borders to trade in 1854 after 2000 years of isolation? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ • Homework: • Worksheet
After the shogun was overthrown... • The emperor was established as the leader of Japan in 1868 • His name was Emperor Meiji
Meiji Restoration • The period from 1868 to 1912 is known as the Meiji Restoration • Meiji means “enlightened rule” • During this time, the emperor and his advisors implemented a series of reforms that changed Japan forever
Borrowing ideas from the West • Meiji reformers were determined to strengthen Japan against the West • Members of the government traveled to other countries to learn about Western: • Government • Economics • Technology • Customs • Foreign experts were invited to Japan
Economic Development • Used Western methods and machinery to develop an industrial economy in Japan • Government built factories and then sold them to wealthy families • Known as zaibatsu
Economic Development Cont... • Government supported the economy by developing a banking system and postal system • Built railroads • Improved roads and ports
By 1890s... • Japan’s economy was growing • Population grew • Peasants migrated to cities in search of jobs
Strong Central Government • Meiji reformers wanted to create a strong central government • Constitution gave the Emperor autocratic (total) power and created a two-house legislature • Only one of the houses was elected • Suffrage (voting) was limited
Military Power • Japan developed a modern army and strong navy • Not just samurai anymore...All men had to enter military service
Social Change • Set up a system of public education and universities with Western instructors to teach modern technology • Despite social reforms: • Class distinctions still existed • Women still faced inequality • They actually lost some political and legal rights that they had previously won