The Meiji Restoration of Japan

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Between 1968 and 1912, Japan was going through a reformation called Meiji Restoration in order make the country strong as western countries. It had caused changes in many parts of Japan such as society, government, military, etc. Some of these changes still can be seen in the Japanese society today such as emperors are honored by Japanese citizens and seen as a special figure. Since this reformation had a great impact on development of Japan, it can be consider as a very important part of Japanese history.This study will seek to answer the question: To what extent did the Meiji Restoration succeeded to reform and strengthen Japan? In order to answer the question, the investigation will analyze military reform and economic reform caused by Meiji Restoration. Also, the investigation will analyze some counter-arguments against Meiji Restoration. When these events are analyzed, historical evidence and historiography from books and websites are also given. Section B: Summary of Evidence Choshu and Satsuma clans gathered together to defeat the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Bakumatsu period. This was the Boshin War. (1868-69) Tokugawa shogunate was defeated and Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito) became the new leader of Japan. Meiji Restoration began at 1868 and ended by Emperor’s death in 1912. The new government tried to reform Japan through the rule of Meiji which means “enlightened rule” and they tried to reform Japan and tried to make it strong as the western countries. Emperor has announced his goals and aims of Meiji Restoration through Charter Oath: By 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... ... middle of paper ... ...ity of Hawaii Press, 1995) pg. 20 McLaren Wallace, Walter. A Political History of Japan during the Meiji Era, 1867-1912 (London: Allen & Unwin, 1916) “The Meiji Restoration and Modernization”. Asia For Educations. Columbia University. http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/special/japan_1750_meiji.htm (Accessed 12 Feb. 2014) Norman Herbert, E. Japan's Emergence as a Modern State: Political and Economic Problems of the Meiji Period (New York: International Secretariat, Institute of Pacific Relations, 1940) Reischauer, Edwin Oldfather. The Japanese (US: Third Printing, 1977) “Shinto history”. BBC Religions. British Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/history/history_1.shtml#section_4 (Accessed 12 Feb. 2014) Sims, Richard. Japanese Political History since the Meiji Renovation 1868-2000 (New York: Macmillan Press Ltd, 2001)

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