Japan - Meiji 18th and 19th centuries

A Brief Look at Japan in the 1800s to 1900s

Do you remember? Under the Tokugawa

Emperor, the Japanese shoguns had chosen a policy of isolationism in the early 1600s.

Foreigners were kicked out of Japan, Christian Japanese were persecuted, and Japanese were “prohibited” from leaving.

JAPAN’S CLOSED COUNTRY EDICT OF 1635 1. Japanese ships are strictly forbidden to leave for foreign countries. 2. No Japanese is permitted to go abroad. If there is anyone who attempts to do so secretly, he must be executed. 3. If any Japanese returns from overseas after residing there, he must be put to death. 4. If there is any place where the teachings of the [Catholic] priests is practiced, there must be a thorough investigation. 7. If there are any Barbarians who propagate the teachings of the priests, or otherwise commit crimes, they may be incarcerated in the prison. . . . 8. All incoming ships must be carefully searched for the followers of the priests.10. Samurai are not permitted to purchase any goods originating from foreign ships directly from Chinese merchants in Nagasaki.

However, The Japanese leadership continued to “watch

and learn” from the “hairy barbarians” of the West

The Japanese economy flourished from silver exports to China.

Outside powers threatened Japan After the defeat of the Chinese

by the British (1830s) & a growing presence of European and U.S. warships (1850s) Japanese leaders “decided” to sign trade treaties and open Japan to outsiders.

Japan was now open to outside influences.

Tokugawa rulers were overthrown. . . The threat from outsiders and a

desire for change unified many provincial leaders who joined together & overthrew the Tokugawa rulers, and began the Meiji period

(or Meiji Restoration)

1860s - 1900s

Japan transformed itself into a major industrial and

military power

The Meiji Government The emperor

was the “figurehead” while power was held by an oligarchy (landowners, businessmen, & military)

Meiji Japan adapts Western

ideas Japanese were

sent on study tours of Europe. Europeans & Americans were hired to help transform Japan.

In Japan a new education system was set up

Japanese selectively used Western ideas and styles while remaining politically, economically, & culturally independent

JAPANESE INDUSTRIALIZATION

Rapid industrialization took place.

Railroads were built, mines expanded, and urban areas became more “modern”

Government built a modern army & navy

FROM THIS . . .

TO THIS.

Japanese Imperialism 1860-1914

Japan gained control of Korea & Taiwan after defeating China.

Japan defeated Russia to take control of Manchuria (1905).

Comparative Practicewrite a thesis paragraph

Analyze the similarities and differences in Chinese interactions with the West and the interactions with the West from one of the following regions from 1800 to 1914.Ottoman EmpireOceaniaJapan

Comparative Practicewrite a thesis paragraph

Analyze the similarities and differences in Chinese contacts with the West and the contacts with the West from one of the following regions from 1800 to 1914.Ottoman EmpireOceaniaJapan

Which of the following statements best describes the main political message of this cartoon?

A. Russia was bigger than Japan

B. Japan was defeating Russia in the struggle for control of parts of East Asia

C. In WWI, Japan’s Navy was better than the Russian Navy

D. France gave military support to Japan in its battles against Russia over territory in Asia

JAPAN~

Changes-• New dynasty – Meiji Period began• From a Closed economy to

Industrial Power• From Traditional to Modern –

Culture, Economy, Military• Isolated nation-state to Imperial

Power

CAUSES

• Outside pressure• Japanese leadership decided

to change – use the West as a model