Japan, Westernization, and Meiji Restoration

Ashikaga Shogunate 1338-1573

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: 1467-1568

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 NobunagaEnd Warring States Period, by declaring Japan united under one “sword”.Rose from obscure poverty to consolidate control of Japan until his assassination in 1582Monks of Mt. HieiWelcomed 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 currencyNearly unified island’s daimyo

Land survey programAlternate residence programSword hunt for peaceBirth 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 reformsCastle building fobiddenSakoku-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 ChristianityChristianity 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 tradeFrancis 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 1612Revolts such as the Christian revolt at Kyushu was bloodily suppressedDutch 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 cutHereditary privileges goneTitles to lands lostGovernment bonds given in place of lost lands—given government control over economySamurai received lump sum of cash each year to replace salaries.

Samurai reacted angrily to Western intrusion and attacked foreigners (1858-1863.Response: Western Gunboats1867: 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 1868By 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 practiceBlended aristocratic past with new institutions

Economics

Redefined land ownershipTaxes-3-5% of land value Fixed taxes which proved reliablePromotion of industry (viewed as necessary to survive)Provided aid and stimulusLabor crises…oh to be a miner in Nagasaki!

Social changes

Japan becoming more urbanClasses becoming more fluidGender roles very rigid for women, could get an educationNo special privileges for aristocratsSlavery abolishedConscript Army-1871Young 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 1894Defeated Russia in 1905

Center of movement?

The Japanese love of their history and their desire for greatness…a proud nationalism.Differences with China?