Japan, Westernization, and
Meiji Restoration
Ashikaga Shogunate 13381573
Arose in the wake of
the Mongol failure to
conquer Japan.
Japanese ruling
class was weakened
in its wake
(Kamakura
Shogunate).
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
The Golden Pavillion
Warring States Period: 14671568
The formation of provincial “castle
towns”.
Consolodation of Samurai, similar to
that of China—a power grab.
Japan was in effect 260 small countries
led by rogue Daimyo.
Came to a close with the Onin War.
Japan’s Three Heroes
Oda Nobunaga (new-buh-nah-ga)
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (hee-deh-yoh-she)
Tokugawa Ieyasu (Ee-aay-yah-suh)
Japanase proverb: “Oda punds the
national rice cake, Hideoshi kneads it
and in the end Ieyasu sits down and
eats it”.
Oda Nobunaga
End Warring States Period,
by declaring Japan united
under one “sword”.
Rose from obscure poverty
to consolidate control of
Japan until his assassination
in 1582
Monks of Mt. Hiei
Welcomed Jesuits—disliked
Buddhism for political
reasons.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
The most important
figure in Japanese
history.
Born the homeless son
of a peasant.
Unified Japan and
extended her dominion
over parts of Asia
(Korea)
Est. national currency
Nearly unified island’s
daimyo
Land survey program
Alternate residence
program
Sword hunt for peace
Birth of the four class
system: Samurai,
Peasants, Artisans, and
Merchants
The Tokugawa Age
Japanese children are
taught “Ieyasu ate the
pie that Nobunaga made
and Hideyoshi baked”.
Emerged in 1600 at the
battle of Sekigahara
(say-key-gah-har-ah)
In other words…he
completed the work by
the other two notable
founders.
Tokugawa Politics
Alterante residence
and hostage reforms
Castle building
fobidden
Sakoku-closed
country
Siege at Osaka
Christian Missionaries and Samurais
joined with Ieyasu’s enemies…this
ended the gains of Christianity in Japan.
300,000 converts by 1600.
Ieyasu associated the Samurai war with
Christianity
Christianity was ruthlessly oppressed.
Opposing the West
Europeans arriving throughout the
Tokugawa Age.
Visitors initially welcomed.
Hideyoshi interested in using European
weapons.
Castles built on a European scale
Osaka Castle
Azuchi’s Castle
Manumoto Castle
Christianity and trade
Francis Xavier was successful making inroads
into Japan.
However, the need for all citizens to owe
allegiance to the Pope led Hydeoshi to abolish
Christian activities on the islands.
All missionaries exiled by 1612
Revolts such as the Christian revolt at Kyushu
was bloodily suppressed
Dutch treatment…one entrance a year—could
remain for 2 months.
Commodore Perry
Meiji Restoration-1867
The zealous young emperor
initiated massive reforms
including:
Daimyo power cut
Hereditary privileges gone
Titles to lands lost
Government bonds given in
place of lost lands—given
government control over
economy
Samurai received lump sum
of cash each year to replace
salaries.
Samurai reacted angrily to Western
intrusion and attacked foreigners (18581863.
Response: Western Gunboats
1867: Sat-Cho seize government and
“restore” power of emperor
Sat-Cho Alliance: Battle of
Shiroyama -
Meiji goals
Meet foreign threat head on
“Enrich the state and strenghten the
armed forces”
Dropped anti foreign views and
embraced their culture: “Japan must be
reborn with America its mother and
France its father”.
1871: Feudalism abolished
French revolution as example—
disintegrated class and made everyone
equal under the law.
Capital Relocation
Into palace of Shogun a display of
defiance
Charter Oath of 1868
By this oath, we set up as our aim the establishment of the
national wealth on a broad basis and the framing of a
constitution and laws.
Deliberative assemblies shall be widely established and all
matters decided by open discussion.
All classes, high and mighty, shall be united in vigorously
carrying out the administration of affairs of state.
The common people, no less than the civil and military officials,
shall all be allowed to pursue their own calling so that there
may be no discontent.
Evil customs of the past shall be broken off and everything
based upon the just laws of Nature.
Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to
strengthen the foundation of imperial rule.[3]
Reforms
Meiji reforms arrived at through the
collaboration between the Sat-Cho
clique, the Emperor and academics
under Prince Hirobumi who traveled
abroad and studied Western
governments in US, UK, and Germany.
Government
1890’s: based largely on Germany’s was
a “gift of the emperor” giving him large
powers with a small democratic feel.
Democratic in appearance, despotic in
practice
Blended aristocratic past with new
institutions
Economics
Redefined land ownership
Taxes-3-5% of land value
Fixed taxes which proved reliable
Promotion of industry (viewed as
necessary to survive)
Provided aid and stimulus
Labor crises…oh to be a miner in
Nagasaki!
Social changes
Japan becoming more urban
Classes becoming more fluid
Gender roles very rigid for women, could get
an education
No special privileges for aristocrats
Slavery abolished
Conscript Army-1871
Young introduced to west-baseball
Japan comes full circle…
Realizing their geographic limitations,
Japan realized that it was necessary for
them to conquer other areas.
Russo-Japanese War: 1905 a huge
success for Japan.
1870’s began picking away at China
(Taiwan)
1871-US example
Imperialism
Absorbed Korea with “Gunboat
diplomacy” in 1876.
Defeated China in 1894
Defeated Russia in 1905
Center of movement?
The Japanese love of their history and
their desire for greatness…a proud
nationalism.
Differences with China?