Admiral "Bull" Halsey Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 (edited) The Meiji Restoration had a huge major impact in Japan from 1868 to 1912 following by the death of Emperor Meiji. It transformed Japan from an isolated agricultural country into a newly developed modernized country which restored imperial power ready to take on the western world. This all started by the coming of Commodore Matthew Perry of America who ordered the Tokugawa Shogunate government to open their ports for the Americans and make trades with the west by using his military forces to pursuant them. Japan responded this as a threat against their Country from the west that they need a real government so that it would help them regulate their society and protecting them from any future threats made by the west. Many aspects of the treaties with the West were unfair and became apparent to the Japan. The people who were forced to be peasants did not approve with the old feudal system that the Shoguns used, especially the emperor who had fair little power. Thus, mark the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. The Meiji Restoration helped modernized Japan in order to compete and challenge with the western world by developing a modern parliamentary authoritarian government similar to that of the Prussian system, with modern industrial economy run by the Zaibatsu companies in order for the Governments to gain full control the industries, and lastly having the latest weapons and technology to help booster their armies, navies, and military efficiently in order to take on the western world. Japan imitated the west politically in order to gain power and the respect towards the west. When Japan soon learn that they could no longer isolate themselves from the outside world as they were intimidated by the west, they needed to harness the concepts of the imperial will by demanding a real government to help govern their people and country more efficiently. After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate government, Japan adopted a Prussian form government that was parliamentary authoritarian government. This result ended in legal distinction over classes thus freeing the people to build their nation. The governments then introduced a constitution known as the “diet” so that they could win the respect of the west in order to generate a good environmental nation. The legislative act known as “Diet” was formed so that one elected house could be appointed by the emperor. The Meiji government set up schools, universities and hired western teachers to teach in Japan about modern technology which later economy would be a successful effort for Japan. This set forth principles that all citizens were equal under the law. The government agreed to some increases in education for women and job opportunities, it dealt harshly with other attempts at change the law. Like the Prussian system, it gave the ruler autocratic power. Because education became a big importance to Japan even to this day, the Meiji Government encourages all young wealthy men to travel overseas to hone their education and looking for new ways trying to live under the Meiji Dreams of national independence, treaty revision, equality, and domestic tranquillity and prosperity. In 1882, Ito Hirobumi and his colleagues traveled to Britain and Prussia to examine the Constitutional monarchy government that the British and the Prussian used. Ito then took a fond interest of this idea and return back to Japan only to convince the government to have this new modern form constitution so that he himself can claim the role of Japan’s government. Ito Hirobumi later becomes Japan’s very first Prime Minister. This indicates that Japan could modernize at a phenomenon rate, because they were very well educated. Emperor Meiji then moved the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Edo (Which is known as Tokyo) marking the beginning of Japan’s efforts to modernize their government through political and social institution efficiently. Therefore, the Meiji government helped formed a much stronger government so that it can regulate society and getting the respect in order to protect them from the west by imitating Prussian’s style of government. Japan wanted to imitate the west militarily so that they could protect themselves against the westerners and acquire new lands and territories and strengthening their military. The Meiji Government viewed as Japan are being threatened by Western imperialism. Japan was inspired by Prussian’s military power and its success of unify Germany by fighting wars as well transforming itself from an agricultural state to a leading modern industrial and military power that they’ve copy the aspects of their military, this leads to authoritarian. Japan established a western style of bureaucracy with separate departments to supervise armies, industries, navies, and educations. Japan started to pay more close attention to mainly western foreigners as Japan request one of Prussia’s Generals to work along side with them. Prussia sent General Jakob Meckel to Japan from 1885 to 1888 and worked with General Katsura Taro and Yamagata Aritomo of making adjustments to Japan’s military by help organizing Japan’s army structure and strategic to divisions and regiments. He helped strengthened the army’s logistic and transportation structure, with the major army bases connected using infrastructures such as railways and artillery, which was the exact same manoeuvre that the Prussian’s used in their previous war efforts. Not only did Jakob Meckel booster Japan’s military, but he influence them by introducing Carl von Clausewitz’s military theories, and the whole concept of wars and tactics. Japan’s sole purpose of military is to fight of foreign countries and conquer new territories with a strong military to secure Japan's new overseas empire was strengthened. Only through a strong military would earn Japan’s respect of western nation such as Britain whom later Japan became allies of to revise the unequal treaties. Japan then fought China in control for Korea in 1895, this lead to the first Sino-Japanese War as Japan came in victor and took control of Taiwan and Korea. Not only did Japan take control of Korea, but they took over Manchuria which leads to further wars as Manchuria was originally taken by Russians power. Japan felt the needs of conquering Manchuria because had rich deposits of iron and coal that would be great benefit for economic values for Japan’s industrial developments and more demands new raw materials mainly for military purposes. It would also solve Japan’s population problems. Japan declared war on Russia which leads to the war known as the Russo-Japanese War following by 1904 in control for Manchuria. Despite Russia’s empire took most of all Asia, they didn’t have a port on the Pacific Ocean; the only way for them to fight at the sea is by sailing their navies through the European and African peninsula, and also using the Trans-Siberian Railroad to support their armies. This gave Japan several opportunities to prepare them against Russia by destroying their armies and navies before the Russian’s get their destination. Same as the Chinese fate, the Japanese claim victor over the Russian’s as they have the most powerful navy. Japan had proven itself to be an equal in international affairs though diplomatic and militaristic. This proved that Japan was worthy and equal as a nation to the world by the west as Japan’s military developed at a much faster rate. It was an unforeseen defeat for the Russian’s and the Czar as Russia surrendered many territories that they’ve claimed to Japan which result a revolt of the Russian against their Czar. Seeing this threat, President Theodore Roosevelt negotiated a peace treaty with Japan which created the Treaty of Portsmouth. In conclusion, Japan imitated the west militarily so that they can acquire power and the respect from China and Korea as they’ve defeated both China and Russia. Because of this event, they are now officially recognized by the west as the next Great power nation. Japan’s new growing power made known to the west. Japan imitated the west economically in order to modernize their industrial economy running by the Zaibatsu companies. Some samurai’s and peasants built these industries to establish and corporate conglomerates so that Japan could control the industries. This helped encouraged the government’s finances to sell off industries to private sectors. After the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunates, the Meiji Government appointed the corporation Mitsui to help provide finances and handle modern currencies. This helped the government to establish banks and introduces modern currency system such as Japanese Yen which later been established the Ministry of Finance by Yasuda zaibatsu. Yasuda zaibatsu also helped the government on budget foundations which strengthen their economy even as of to this day and became the founder of Yasuda Mutual Life Insurance Company. Zaibatsu companies encourage by building infrastructures such as machine tools, ships, weaponry, railways, telegraphs, etc. Some of these infrastructures were major necessary needs for Japan’s military in order to have better equipment and weapons used for wars. Companies like the Mitsubishi helped military expedition by providing transport the government’s need. Mitsubishi manufactured aircraft such as the Mitsubishi A6M Zero from 1940 to 1945 which served a major cause for the Japanese Navy. Government made it possible investment in industries and technology so that workers could work in the industries, especially women, who had less opportunity in working during the feudal era. The government fostered the development of new industries in Japan through the enactment of laws by encouraging women to become full partners in the process of nation building and to learn skills that would allow them to live on their own. Since 1909, there has been increasing number of female textile workers as the total workers doubled over the years. Japan imitated the west economically so that they can control the industries and economy that there would be more expert workers and technician to handle the necessary needs for the industries. In conclusion, Japan modernized itself so that they can govern their country more efficiently so that they can regulate society and getting the respect in order to protect them from the west by imitating Prussian’s style of government. Japan imitated the west militarily to fend off against western invasions by acquiring new territories such as Korea, Taiwan, and Manchuria so that they can be known to the west by becoming successful in both wars with China and Russia. Lastly to booster their economy more efficiently so that Japan can control the industries run by the Zaibatsu as well encouraging more workers come and work for the industries. Therefore, these are the reason how the Meiji Restoration became a huge success for Japan having to modernized themselves rapidly. Edited January 4, 2009 by Namie Amuro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral "Bull" Halsey Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 Well I advised it a little so...it's sorta a bit long anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Communard Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 (edited) The Meji Restoration is overrated. Accepting the Dutch Letter event in 1842 then later rebelling against them is a much better path to westernization. It's quicker, a better way to democratize, and you make up for a lot of the initial tech gap between you and the west. Edited January 4, 2009 by Commissar Gaunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destiny Hero Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Rather than walking straight into walls, I prefer walk right around them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judge Judy Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Rather than walking straight into walls, I prefer walk right around them. What this guy said. o.O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burning_phoneix Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 The point of this thread is....? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destiny Hero Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 The point of this thread is....? THINK, FOOL. It's an essay that the dude with whores in his sig wrote for class and he wants our opinions on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fox Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 (edited) You haven't left us with a whole lot to discuss here. Once again, you've provided an ambling, C+ history paper which leaves little room for response. Stylistically, it's full of holes (see: three body paragraphs start by making mention of Japan imitating the West), which would have been helped with some more careful proof-reading skills. On a more cynical note, having seen your past entries (school projects?), I'm hesitant to put any kind of faith in the information you've provided. In all fairness, Wikipedia could have done a better job. As a self proclaimed history buff, you should be able to produce something more solid than this meandering wall of text, if only to maintain your integrity. Edited January 5, 2009 by Fox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destiny Hero Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 You haven't left us with a whole lot to discuss here. Once again, you've provided an ambling, C+ history paper which leaves little room for response. Stylistically, it's full of holes (see: three body paragraphs start by making mention of Japan imitating the West), which would have been helped with some more careful proof-reading skills.On a more cynical note, having seen your past entries (school projects?), I'm hesitant to put any kind of faith in the information you've provided. In all fairness, Wikipedia could have done a better job. As a self proclaimed history buff, you should be able to produce something more solid than this meandering wall of text, if only to maintain your integrity. Oh, jeez, it took me two tries to read through that whole thing, and I'm still losing my sanity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral "Bull" Halsey Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share Posted January 5, 2009 (edited) That's because that's only just a rough copy. That was like my shortest summary of this topic. Plus, if you copy and past the work it's only 4 page double space as you can see... Edited January 5, 2009 by Namie Amuro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blacken Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 You haven't left us with a whole lot to discuss here. Once again, you've provided an ambling, C+ history paper which leaves little room for response. Stylistically, it's full of holes (see: three body paragraphs start by making mention of Japan imitating the West), which would have been helped with some more careful proof-reading skills.On a more cynical note, having seen your past entries (school projects?), I'm hesitant to put any kind of faith in the information you've provided. In all fairness, Wikipedia could have done a better job. As a self proclaimed history buff, you should be able to produce something more solid than this meandering wall of text, if only to maintain your integrity. That plus shall be contentious, I see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Glenn Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 That plus shall be contentious, I see. And the point of this post is...? Either put some relevant content in your post, or don't bother posting to begin with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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