Meiji Restoration: Japan's Transformation

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary goal of the Meiji Restoration?

To establish a military dictatorship under the Shogun.
To isolate Japan from all foreign influence.
To restore practical power to the Emperor and modernize Japan. (correct)
To maintain the existing feudal system and prevent social change.

Which of the following factors contributed to the Meiji Restoration?

The successful isolation of Japan from foreign influence.
Unwavering support for the Shogun from all social classes.
Economic and political difficulties faced by the Tokugawa shogunate. (correct)
The strong economic stability of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

How did the arrival of the Perry Expedition impact the Tokugawa Shogunate?

It strengthened the Shogun's authority and consolidated his power.
It led to widespread support for the Shogun's isolationist policies.
It had no significant impact on the Shogun's political standing.
It weakened the Shogun's authority by forcing Japan to open to the West. (correct)

Who were the shishi, and what role did they play in the Meiji Restoration?

They were lower and middle-ranking samurai committed to expelling foreigners and supporting the Emperor. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which two domains led the anti-Tokugawa alliance during the Meiji Restoration?

Satsuma and Chōshū. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which document outlined the goals of the restored government under Emperor Meiji?

The Charter Oath. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the Boshin War?

A civil war between supporters of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the new Meiji government. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a significant reform implemented by the Meiji government?

Establishment of a parliamentary democracy. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was a long-term consequence of the Meiji Restoration regarding Japan's foreign policy?

Japan's pursuit of colonial interests in East Asia. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Until what event did the Meiji Constitution of 1889 remain in place?

The Allied Occupation of Japan after World War II. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Meiji Restoration

A political revolution that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji, leading to rapid industrialization and adoption of Western ideas.

Sakoku

The policy of isolationism adopted by the Tokugawa shogunate that restricted foreign influence and trade in Japan.

Shishi

Samurai who were committed to the Emperor's proclamations to expel foreign influence.

Charter Oath

A declaration by Emperor Meiji outlining the goals of the restored government, including establishing a national assembly and seeking knowledge from around the world.

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Boshin War

A civil war in Japan fought from 1868 to 1869 between forces of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those seeking to restore political power to the Imperial Court.

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Study Notes

The Meiji Restoration was a political event that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji.
It was also known as the Honorable Restoration, Meiji Renovation, Revolution, Regeneration, Reform, or Renewal.
The Meiji Restoration restored practical power to the Emperor of Japan and consolidated the political system under him.
It led to significant changes in Japan's political and social structure.
The Restoration spanned the late Edo period (Bakumatsu) and the beginning of the Meiji era.
During this time, Japan rapidly industrialized and adopted Western ideas and production methods.

Origins of the Restoration

The Restoration's origins were in economic and political difficulties faced by the Tokugawa shogunate.
These issues were made worse by the encroachment of foreign powers challenging the Tokugawa policy of sakoku.
The arrival of the Perry Expedition and subsequent unequal treaties forced Japan to open to the West which questioned the shōgun's political authority
The Emperor's rebuke of shogunal actions led to an ideological divide within the samurai class, who were concerned with their feudal obligations to both the shōgun and the Emperor.
Many lower and middle-ranking samurai became shishi ("men of spirit") who were committed to the Emperor's proclamations to expel the barbarians.
Factional disputes within the domains led some domains to conflict with the Tokugawa.
Anti-Tokugawa alliance was led by Satsuma and Chōshū, and it overthrew the shogunal system.

Events Following the Restoration

On January 3, 1868, Emperor Meiji declared political power to be restored to the Imperial House.
The goals of the restored government were expressed in the Charter Oath.
Subsequent Tokugawa resistance to the new government materialised in the Boshin War and short-lived Ezo Republic.
By the 1870s, the Emperor's authority was practically unquestioned.
The new government reorganized society, abolishing the old currency, the domain system, and the class position of the samurai.
The abolition of the shogunate and industrialization led to the Saga and Satsuma Rebellions, but ultimately ended feudalism.
The Meiji Restoration laid the foundation for Imperial Japan's institutions.
It significantly impacted the East Asian region as Japan pursued colonial interests.
The Meiji Constitution of 1889 remained in place until the Allied Occupation after World War II.