Japan and the Meiji Restoration

1. Japan and the Meiji Restoration Japan becomes a National Power

2. Tokugawa Isolation • Prior to the arrival of Matthew Perry of the U.S. in 1854 Japan had been isolated for 200 years. • In 1500’s Europeans had tried to trade with Japan however the Shoguns had gained control of Japan and banned contact with almost the entire outside world.

3. Japanese Isolation • Japan had built an highly ethnocentric society • Japanese were not allowed to travel outside the nation • Foreigners were not allowed inside the nation • By the 19th Century The U.S. and Europe were looking for markets were ever they could find them and they turned to Japan

4. Commodore Matthew Perry • In 1854 Perry gave Japan a letter asking them to open trade with the U.S. • Americans and Europeans wanted to not only open trade with Japan but also use Japanese ports to repair and resupply their ships.

5. Treaty of Kanagawa • The Japanese shoguns were impressed by the American show of force. • Japan agreed to open its ports and signed the Treaty of Kanagawa. • The Treaty gave trading rights to the U.S. and soon other countries like Britain, France and Russia also gained trading rights.

6. Treaty of Kanagawa • The Treaty had a powerful impact on Japan. • It weakened the power of the shogun who some Japanese felt had given in to foreigners. • It showed that for for Japan to compete with the west that Japan had to modernize and industrialize. • The Japanese rebelled against and overthrew the Shogun, restored the emperor, and began to modernize and industrialize.

7. The Meiji Restoration • In 1867 the samurai led the rebellion to remove the Tokugawa shogun from power. • In 1868 the emperor was established as the leader of Japan. • The period from 1868 to 1912 is known as the Meiji Restoration. • Meiji means “enlightened one”

8. Modernization and Industrialization • Once the Emperor was in place he began to make changes to Japan that would make Japan a world power.

9. Modernization and Industrialization • Borrowing from the West • The emperor sent advisors and government officials to western nations to study government, economics, technology, and customs. • Foreign experts were also invited to Japan.

10. Modernization and Industrialization • Economics • The Meiji government used western methods and machinery to industrialize Japan. • The government built factories and then sold them to wealthy Japanese businessmen, know as zaibatsu. • The government developed a banking system. • The government built ports and railroads • By 1890 the economy was strong, the population had grown, and peasants moved to the cities looking for jobs.

11. Modernization and Industrialization • Government • The Meiji wanted a strong central government and used Germany as their model. • The Meiji liked the strength of the Germany’s constitution and that the government was run by only a few select men.

12. Modernization and Industrialization • Military • Samurai are no longer the only warriors in Japan. • Japan admired the discipline of the German army and the skill of the British navy. • All men must join the military • Japan modernizes its navy • Japan develops a strong army and navy and defeats European powers in warfare.

13. Japan as a Global Power • By 1894 Japan had transformed itself into a major world power. • Japan used its military strength to become imperialistic. • Japan became imperialistic looking for colonies for raw materials and new markets. • Japan found these colonies through warfare.

14. Japan as a Global Power • Sino-Japanese War • 1894-1895 • Japan tries to expand into Korea. • China goes to war with Japan over Korea. • Japan quickly wins the war • Japan gets Taiwan, ports in China, and Korea becomes a protectorate of Japan.

15. Japan as a Global Power • Russo-Japanese War • 1904-1905 • Both Japan and Russia have interest in Korea. • Russia refuses to recognize Japan’s rights to Korea. • Japan launches a surprise attack against the Russians destroying the Russian navy and driving the Russian troops out of Korea. • Russia is forced to withdraw from Korea • Japan is seen as a major military power with the defeat of a European nation

16. Japan as a Global Power • Dependence on a World Market • Japan’s economy depended on trade. It needed new markets. • Japan is an island and lack many of the natural resources to keep their industrialization alive. • For Japan to compete with the world market Japan would have to continue to be imperialistic.

17. Japan as a Global Power • Results of Imperialistic Japan • Japan borrowed many western ideas to become a modern and industrialized nation. • Japan quickly establishes itself as a strong military power. • Japan needs to continue to colonize to keep raw materials coming in and finished products going out of the country. • Japan is truly the only country that needs to colonize because they lack raw materials

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