Meiji Reform
Two goals: 1. The Meiji government wanted to strengthen Japan through
reforms for resisting foreign powers.
2. The Meiji Oligarchy wanted to control political power through
Japanization for avoiding future revolts against the new govt
Charter Oath: aims of the new government-- could the Meiji Reforms achieved them:
1. assembly—Parliament to decide national affairs?
2. all classes united—abolished classes? Social equality?
3. abolished evil custom?
4. Pursue own calling—freedom?
5. sought knowledge—education reform?
Item / Westernization / Japanization / ResultsAbolished feudalism / - Build up a centralized govt and hence facilitiated the carry out of reforms.
- Abolished class: modern society that all are equal. / Took the power of the daimyos and samurai and hence they could not overthrow the new government. / - social mobility.
- Centralization: the new ruling class could push forward their reforms more efficiently.
- Supply of labor force to modern industries. Many samurai & peasants became workers.
Education / - More schools and universities.
- Knowledge from the West.
- Compulsory education and Ministry of Edu. / Imperial Rescipt in 1890 stressed on loyalty and obedience. Hence build up a group of patriots to support the government. / - high literacy e.g. 95% of children attended school in 1906.
- the unity of Japan & development of Japanese extreme nationalism.
- quickened modernization as it educated a population steady for learning from the West.
Military / - Navy based on British model, army based on German model. / ~Conscription of army and navy: build up military power of the government against possible revolt of former daimyo and samurai, e.g. Satsuma Rebellion
~Bushido to build up loyal army & navy. / - success of military reforms brought about victories in foreign wars.
- rise of militarism in Japan government and Japan became aggressive.
- Japan's international status was raised by the success of military reforms.
Economic / - Government started reform on heavy industries and infrastructure. / sold to Zaibatsu who were former friendly daimyos so that startegic industries would not be controlled by enemies. / - Zaibatsu encouraged a foreign policy of military aggression as war meant increased production and profits that contributed to the rise of militarists.
- 3% land tax subsizidied the reform and this led to the peasants’ discontent.
Political / - Preparation: Privy Council, House of Peers, Prime Minister
- 1889 Constitution
- This built up a modernized govt of Japan. / ~ privilege of the army and navy.
~The emperor controlled power.
~The Meiji Oligarchy was influential.
~The Diet was powerless. / - Strong power of the Emperor, privileges of army & navy and weak Diet became a favourable condition for the growth of militarism in 1930s.
Religion / Religious freedom / ~encouraged Shinto which stressed on the role of the emperor. / - helped the growth of militarism centred on the cult of the Emperor.
Judicial / ~a criminal code based on French system and a commercial & civil code based on German system were adopted in 1890.
~a modern legal procedure was introduced. / In 1899 the foreign powers all agreed to relinquish their former extra- territorial rights in Japan. Japanese international status was enhanced. Equality with the foreign powers was attained.
Results:
1. Aims of modernization were achieved (merits)
a. 'A rich country' appeared due to economic reform
b. 'A strong army' &. 'To rank equal with the powers'
i. A modernized Japan appeared.
ii. An independent Japan free from unequal treaties
-in 1889 the Western powers gave up extraterritorial rights; 1902 Anglo-Japanese Alliance; in 1911 Japan recovered tariff autonomy.
This made Japan achieve diplomatic equality with Western powers.
2. Demerits (bad results)
a. Political Problem: not democratic and led to the rise of militarism.
b. Economic Problems: land tax was heavy burden to peasants.
c. Rise of Militarism: It was a result of constitutional, educational, military and economic reforms.