Caroline Bennett, Ella Salter and Jabriel AlSuhaimi
Fall of Feudalism
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A proper centralized government could only be
established if daimyo stopped exercising feudal powers.
in 1868, an imperial officer was appointed to every feudal
region (fief).
The intention of these imperial officers was not to
overtake the daimyo in their power and control over the
fief, but to show the increasing power and authority of the
central government.
In 1869, the daimyo of Western clans handed over their
powers to the central government at will, and the
remaining daimyo were forced to afterwards.
Daimyo received compensation: pension, paid debts, and
granted position of governors.
They were happy with this agreement, due to their benefit
of wealth, while others in society struggled.
Religion
Buddhism and Shinto were main
religions in Japan.
 New government favored Shinto religion
 Shinto shrines were erected all over
Japan
 Emperors birthday was declared
national holiday.
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Food
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Famine’s were less common. Government
moved quickly throughout country.
Improved methods of production
Average consumption rose from 3.5 to 5.0
bushels per person
Meat introduced into diet after western
influence.
Foreign tastes led to demand for milk,
butter, cheese, white sugar and tinned
meat.
Clothing and Fashion
People were allowed to wear what they
could afford. Cotton was favored by the
poor because of it’s cheapness.
 Preferred western garments
 Soldiers and sailors dressed in westernstyle uniforms
 Adopted simpler western hairstyles
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Technology
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Guns, weaponry and Steam ships
Technological progress in postage stamps
Wool and cotton mills
More factories because of raw materials could now be
imported into Japan.
Japan developed its own railway system of trains based
on a model given to them by the Westerners. Americans
took 150 years. Japanese took 50. The train system was
significantly more reliable and efficient.
Modern postal system – 1868
Modern telegraph system – 1871
The clock was brought into Japan. Before that, they used
the sun.
Students sent to USA and Europe to study modern
technology and scientific research.
Education
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Patriotism, students told to put the interests of the nation before their personal
ones.
Led to a generation that was devoted to the Emperor and the State, rather
than needs of an individual.
1890: Emperor’s Re-script on education, instructions that students had to
follow.
Emperor’s statement: “knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as
to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule.”
Students began traveling overseas to America and Europe to study.
Ministry of Education established in 1871 by the government.
1872: all Japanese children must have at least 4 years of primary school.
Led to more primary, secondary and tertiary schools built.
1906: 95% of Japanese children getting a primary education.
Japan became Asia’s first literate nation.
Western subjects taught in schools: Mathematics, English, Science.
Traditional Japanese values for boys and girls differed: girls taught domestic
skills while boys were taught more about building the nation.
Growth in education led to growth of daily newspapers