How Did The Charter Oath Affect The Urbanization Of Japan

When Meiji was restored as head of Japan in 1868, the nation was militarily weak, had little technological development, and power imbalances with many feudal lords that were ruling. The United States and Europe had also played a hand in forcing Japan to humiliating tasks, after Commodore M. Perry forced Japan to open up trade. After the Meiji period and the restorations that they brought, Japan had advanced through one of the most amazing transformations, that the world still can not believe.
Being considered the first constitution of modern Japan, the Charter Oath was put into effect at the enthronement of Emperor Meiji. The Oath outlined the course of action for modernization. As this was put in place, a process of urbanization started because of the mobility that people now had. People could move to the cities for work, regardless of class. An essence of democracy was provided in the deliberative assemblies, that the public had a voice in. Evil customs of the past were broken off; they now relied on the Laws of Nature. Finally, to really improve the country, foreign knowledge was sought by Japan. They would process it, and make it more efficient for Japan.

One of the most important ways to change a mindset, is through education.

A national school system was provided in Japan. This appealed to people in other countries such as China, but there were too many hostile feelings as well. Japan, whose military power increased so rapidly due to foreign intercourse, could not only hold their own against China, but also the European power of Russia. The Russo-Japanese war was caused by Japan seeking natural resources and invading in a Russian controlled area, causing Russia to declare war. The tiny country in comparison to grand Russia, essentially won the naval battle. No one exactly won the war, but this caused Japan to no longer only be viewed as “young

China.”
The aftermath of the Russo-Japanese war, wasn’t ideal to Japan. Due to racist underlinings, Japan hadn’t gained anything but supposed cheaper deals in the United States. This caused bitterness and tensions with Japan. They did replace Russia as the dominant power in Manchuria, but a bruised ego isn’t easy to bear. Territorial expansion and the spread of imperialism was still happening. Japan had taken control of Korea, previously in China’s realm, and many other places in East Asia.
Emperor Meiji died in 1912, signaling the end of the Meiji period. The isolated, feudal society with a powerhead emperor, view of Japan was almost ridiculous after seeing how industrialized they became in such short time. Japan was brought onto the chart as a world power, as a country that could now hold its own military wise, and as a country that was no longer low as it could get. The Meiji restoration, holding true to its meaning, did enlighten Japan to become very improved.