Transcript Emergence of Modern Japan

Emergence of Modern
Japan
Isolation: A nation will cut itself
off from all other countries in an
attempt to preserve itself.
In 1800,Japan had been
isolated for over 200 years under
the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Pressure begins to build as trade
ships sail Japan’s coastline
The western powers see Japan as
both an opportunity and a
challenge.
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Japan opens up
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The United States are the first to be
successful
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Matthew Perry arrives with a fleet at Edo
Bay in 1853.
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Tried to open trade between US and Japan
Returns months later (Japanese took time
to discuss the idea and possible
concessions)
Treaty of Kanagawa – Japan and the U.S
make an agreement
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Return Sailors, open two trade ports, and
establish a U.S. Consulate in Japan
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Resistance
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Most resistance comes from samurai warriors
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Two regions; Satsuma and Choshu
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These two areas form an alliance called the Sat-Cho
alliance. They demand that the shogun end western
relations.
They want to replace the Shogun with an Emperor
 Wanted to maintain traditional ways
Attacked the Palace in Kyoto and ended the Shogunate system.
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Meiji Restoration
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Sat-Cho Leaders soon
realize that to survive,
Japan would need to
modernize
 The new emperor
Mutsuhito calls his
rule the Meiji. This
means “Enlightened
Rule”
 Began adopting
Western ideas
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Politics
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Leaders take power from local officials
(Daimyo) by taking their land and allowing
them to be governors over that area.
Ito Hirobumi: Sent to the west to study the
governments of western powers.
Progressives and Liberals divide.
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Progressives win the argument and establish a
government with the emperor holding all power
and being checked by the two house cabinet.
Government tries to be democratic but it is
not.
Economics
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Land policy
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Land Tax
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Land that at one time belonged to the daimyo
was given to the peasants.
New tax is based on the value of the land
rather than a set percentage of production.
Many farmers cannot make their payments
Industrialization
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Government pushed for more industry.
They provided funding, schooling, and western
experts, transportation, and communication.
 Industries that grow are tea, silk, weapons,
shipbuilding, and sake.
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“Strengthen the Army”
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Militarism
Motto of Japanese reformers
Compulsory – all men served 3 years
 Modern weapons were used
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Adopt the American system for education after
establishing the Ministry of Education in 1871.
Focused on teaching loyalty
 3 obediences
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Child to father
 Wife to husband
 Widow to son
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Beginning Imperialism
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Learn through examples and necessity
Western nations became powerful through
expansion.
 Japan had no more room for settlement, agriculture,
or industry. Also needed more resources.
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Begin expansion in 1874 in nearby islands and
soon after Korea.
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Go to war with China. The Japanese destroy their
naval fleet and take the city of Port Arthur.
War With Russia
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Tensions rise over Korea.
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Russians feel the Japanese would
run at talk of war
Japan launches a surprise attack
in 1904
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Russia is astounded at the force of
the Japanese and agrees to an
embarrassing treaty in 1905
Results: Japan recognized
throughout the world as a major
military power.
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Japan and the U.S.
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U.S. allows Japanese power in Korea in return
for control of the Philippine Islands.
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Mutual tension
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U.S. restricts Japanese Immigration
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Fear the rise of Japanese power in Asia
Cultural Changes
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Literature
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Introduction of the novel.
Architecture
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Begin to model after western
buildings
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Examples are steel and concrete
buildings along with Greek Columns
Some held on to traditional
aspects of culture
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Arts and crafts, porcelains, textiles,
fans, folding screens, and woodblock
prints became popular in the west.
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