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The Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration. Asia’s “Success Story” in the Age of Imperialism. Tokugawa Japan. Since 1600, Tokugawa Japan had followed a policy of isolationism. Japan Opened.

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The Meiji Restoration

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  1. The Meiji Restoration Asia’s “Success Story” in the Age of Imperialism

  2. Tokugawa Japan • Since 1600, Tokugawa Japan had followed a policy of isolationism

  3. Japan Opened • In 1853, a fleet of American ships commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry sailed to Tokyodemanding the Japanese open their ports for trade

  4. The Meiji Restoration • Many Japanese resented the growing dominance of Europeans, who they viewed as barbarians • As a result, the shogun was overthrown in 1867and replaced with the Japanese Emperor Mutsuhito

  5. The Meiji Restoration • This “restoration” of the Emperor is perhaps the most important turning point in Japanese history • For the next 44 years, Meiji reformers successfully transformed Japan from a “backward” country into one of the richest and most powerful nations in the world

  6. The Meiji Restoration • Japanese sought to learn from Westerners and eventually beat them at their own game

  7. Government Reform • In 1889, a new constitution modeled after Germany was set up • Limited suffrage was given to males and legislature was created, but the Emperor had absolute power

  8. Military Reform • A new military system was set up as well to replace the old samurai system • All able men were required to serve and the newest weaponry was adopted • By 1890, Japan had a powerful army and navy capable of expelling foreigners

  9. Economic Reform • Following the lead of Britain and the United States, the Japanese built thousands of railroads, mines, and factories in the late 1800’s

  10. Economic Reform • By the turn of the century, Japan was one of the top industrial powers in the world • And like those powers, Japan now desired to create an empire of its own Industrial Output 1900

  11. The Sino-Japanese War • Being a small island, Japan lacked many natural resources essential to industrial growth like coal and iron • In 1894, Japan fought and defeated China in order to gain more land and resources, annexing Korea and Taiwan

  12. The Russo-Japanese War • Ten years later, competition over Korea and Manchuria led to war between Russia and Japan • After gruesome fighting, the Japanese surprised the world by defeating Russia

  13. Japan Before and After

  14. Japan Before and After

  15. Japan Before and After

  16. How was Japan able to modernize so quickly? • Adaptability • Homogeneous Society • Nationalism

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