The Meiji RestorationThe Meiji Restoration

By Naomi LatorracaBy Naomi Latorraca

What was the Meiji Restoration?

The Meiji Restoration took place in Japan between 1868 and 1912.

During this period, Japan westernized itself and opened itself to the world.

1853 - Commodore Matthew Perry Comes To Japan

Matthew Perry went to Japan in 1853 demanding that Japan open itself to international trading, but the shogun refused. He left after ten days and returned in the spring.

Perry Visits Japan Again In 1854, Perry returned to Japan with ten steam-

powered warships. The Japanese were gracious to Perry as they

discussed opening Japan to the western world. The Japanese and Americans signed a treaty

stating that:• Japan was to not capture Americans or Europeans that

lived in Japan.

• trade between the U.S. and Japan should be accomplished.

• Japan was to let westerners live in the country.

Harris, U.S. negotiator, stayed in Shimoda to negotiate with the Japanese.

1854 - 1868

The time between the Tokugawa period and the Meiji Restoration was spent in a jumble of battles with the outcome to decide if Japan should westernize itself.

Infuriated by the treaties and the U.S., samurai led militias in battle, killing U.S. troops in the process.

In 1868 the war ended and Emperor Meiji, a teenage boy, declared imperial rule once again.

Emperor Meiji

Emperor Meiji And The Meiji Restoration.

Although Emperor Meiji had declared imperial rule, Japan still followed the treaties that they had signed with the U.S.

Now the emperor’s role concerned only religion and ceremonies.

Other officials dealt with matters of war and industry.

With the realization that Japan needed factories and modernization, companies such as Mitsubishi sprouted up and still exist today.