Meiji Restoration vs. Self-Strengthening Movement

Ella Salter

Thesis

• The aim of both countries was to improve it’s economical, social, political and military spectrum. Yet it can be said that China accomplished very little during its movement, while Japan successfully established a powerful reputation as a result of the restoration. Japan’s attitude towards the restoration is primarily what made it so successful.

Point of contrast: Attitudes• Japan fully embraced change

– Looked to the foreign powers for guidance and ideas.

– Shintoism and loyalty to the Emperor wanted to be implemented, yet Western ideologies took precedence.

– Restoration carried out by a centralized government. (What was best for the nation)

– Funding and investment readily available.

Point of contrast: Attitudes• China’s main goal was to reinstate Confucian

ideas.– Because of previous history, especially when

dealing with the Opium wars, China was reluctant to accept foreign help and follow their ideas and technology.

– Movement was carried out by a corrupt government, of which its leaders were more interested in personal gain as opposed to the overall welfare of the country. This is emphasized by JAG Roberts and Immanuel Hsu

– Lack of finance

Point of comparison: Attitudes• It can be said that both China and Japan saw

that there was no way to avoid Western influence, and if they wanted to be taken seriously, would have to conform to Western ideas.

• Yet both countries made it clear that a sense of traditionalism would be maintained.– Therefore used the word “restoration”.Both countries had the desire to reduce

foreign involvement/influence in the country.

Point of comparison: Changes carried out

• Both countries recognised the need to reform:– The economy (primarily the build-up of

industries)– Military (development of modern weapons)– Leadership (centralized governing body)– Education (influenced mainly by western

ideas)

Point of contrast: Changes carried out

• While the countries had the same goals in mind, it can be said that Japan carried them out to a much further extent.– Full embrace of Western ideas in Japanese culture. (e.g.

changes in clothing)– Complete build up of industries– Fully functioning governing body– Army with mandatory conscription– Taxation– Implementation of land ownership

• Japan’s changes were nationwide, while China’s were limited towards the more urban areas.

• Changes in Japan implemented and carried out to the end.

Point of contrast: Opposition

• Japan suffered relatively minor opposition, and if so, was easily suppressed.

• China on the other hand suffered much opposition as well as a brutal civil war during the period of its self-strengthening movement.

Conclusion• What made Japan’s restoration so successful was

the right leadership and attitude towards the changes. The implementation of the restoration was carried out nationwide, as they successfully adopted Western ideas while keeping traditional views.

• China on the other hand was lead by a corrupt governing body with a distinct lack of funds and half-hearted implementation of the new ideas. The corruption and lack of enthusiasm for change was China’s biggest downfall.