By Kelly. Ria. Aaron
Oligarchy could not establish a proper centralised
government due to constant challenged by powerful
daimyo exercising feudal powers.
 Thus, it’s main task was to end feudalism.
 In 1868, institutes appointed Imperial official to
every feudal region, also known as fief.
 Though they had little power, their presence made
the daimyo aware of the growing of central
government.
 Following year, the daimyo of western clans handed
over their powers to the central government.
 The daimyo were given substantial pension, and all
their debts were paid.
 They also allowed to act as governors of the areas.

As feudalism was brought to an end, samurai also lost
their privilege in the society.
 They were also given pensions but it was little
compare to what the daimyo received.
 Thus, they seek to other means of earning an income.
(invested capital in business enterprises or joined
the civil service or entered the armed forces)
 Many found it hard to adjust to the changes in
lifestyle.
 The government slowly cut down the pensions due to
financial burden.
 This decision upset many samurai, which led to
opposition.

Shimazu Nariakira
 Of
Satsuma domain, he was very
enthusiastic proponent of Dutch
Learning.
 He introduced Western-style military
training for his artillery units.
 He also opened the shipyard in the
harbor.
A
new army was a new government’s
priority.
 Conscription introduced in 1872, with 20
years old conscript for 3 years.
 All classes of society could become
soldiers, not just samurai.
 Yamagata Aritomo was the father of the new
Japanese army. He persuaded the
government to equip the army with modern
weapons.
 Foreign instructors coming in and potential
officers went to Europe military academies.
 The
navy was considered to be as
important as the army.
 Japan obtained British navy building as a
model.
 Warships were purchased from Britain,
British instructors came to assist.
 Large naval bases were constructed at
Yokosuka, Sasebo and Kure.
Opposition
 Changes
angered many samurai.
 Saigo Takamori: led the samurai rebellion
in 1877.
 Completely crushed by the new national
army.
Achievement
 In
building up a strong army and
teaching soldiers the values of
obedience and discipline, the Meiji
government was greatly strengthened.
 It had gained more support, and was in a
better position to defend Japan against
the Western powers and to re-negotiate
unequal treaties with them.