Meiji Restoration and the Rise of Japan - Research Paper Example

Meiji Restoration and the rise of Japan It is of critical significance to that during the eighteenth century, severalnations were still very weak. The weakness was evident in the political statuses of such countries. In addition, the weaknesses of such nations were manifested in their weak economies. The economies of many countries in the world were very weak during the pre-colonial periods following the underdeveloped status of most nations (Shepley, 24). Thus, the result was relatively weak economic power. As a result, of weak economies, such nations had not the ability to acquire sophisticated weaponry as well as machinery to effectively govern their territories. In addition, the weak economies led to the underdevelopment status of many nations during such periods. This made such countries vulnerable for imperialism as well as colonization by other powerful nations. Majority of the nations that were colonized during those periods had very important raw materials needed by the colonial governments back in their mother countries (Shepley, 43). Such raw materials were used in many industries to develop several products. In addition, such raw materials were very useful in strengthening the economy of such countries. Several stronger nations also colonized the weaker nations to show off to their political enemies. The issue of colonization was greatly associated with a show of power, prestige as well as political show offs. As such, the stronger nations were heavily attracted by such nations that could satisfy their interests with regards to raw materials, prestige as well as political show offs. It is important to note that Japan was one of the countries that faced the issue of imperialism following its weak economic status, political as well as social challenges during the eighteenth century (Beasley, 54). The imperialism in Japan was very oppressive to the Japan government in many ways. However, it is important to note that Meiji took the charge to deliver Japan from the powers of imperialism. Meiji was a term used to refer to “enlightened rule”. Meiji restoration refers to some of the events as well as activities that liberated Japan from the imperial rule and made Japan consolidate the powers under the Emperor once more (Shepley, 52). It s of critical significance to acknowledge the fact that the Meiji Restoration led to several changes in Japan. Some of these changes were experienced in the political structure of Japan. In addition, Meiji restoration brought several changes in the social structures of Japan. Other than the above, the Meiji restoration also led to the eruption of Meiji period as well as spanned the Edo period (Perez, 41). It is of critical significance to state that the Meiji period reigned from the year 1868 to the year 1912. This was responsible for the historic emergence of modernization of the republic of Japan. It is important to understand that several reasons led to the initiation of the Meiji restoration. During those days, Japan was behind the European world with regards to its political interactions. However, the United States of America also had interests with Japan. As such, they sent heavy war machines to Japan and forced the opening up of Japanese ports for trade with USA. This made the leader of Meiji to react in a manner geared towards restoring the imperial rule of Japan (Perez, 37). This was aimed at strengthening Japan against the pending dangers posed by their enemies who were their colonists. The major aim of the Meiji leaders was to combine as well as harmonize the western advances with the eastern values as well as traditions. This was considered an enlightened rule in that period following Meiji restoration. It is critical to highlight that one of the major effects of Meiji restoration was evident in the industrial sector of Japan. It is documented in history that Meiji restoration enhanced the process of industrialization in Japan during those periods. As a result, Japan became a military power to reckon with in the early nineteenth century. It is significant to note that modernization of Japan took place between the periods of 1853 and 1905. In the year 1853, a man named Mathew Perry came from the United States of America to Japan (Menton, 46). Mathew Perry was an American Naval Commander. He arrived in Japan using steam ships. He was under the order of the then president of the America named President Fillmore. The Japanese termed these steam ships “The Black Fleet” (Perez, 57). This follows the fact that such ships produced smoke. The Japanese later discovered that such ships could easily destroy their lives. As such, they started becoming more curious and alert with their form of leadership as well as government. The arrival of the Americans in Japan happened when the Japanese were still uncivilized. Upon arrival at Japan, there were major changes that took place. It is of critical significance to note that the Americans had several reasons behind sending their people in Japan during those periods. One of these reasons was that the United States wanted extra territoriality (Shepley, 67). As such, they acted by extending their territorial powers to capture Japan. Japan was of interest since it was a good place for several activities of interest by the United States. In addition, the fact that Japanese were uncivilized and unindustrialized at those periods also made them vulnerable for colonization. The entry of the USA officials in Japan ensured that Japan and America signed a treaty that was to bind the two nations (Beasley, 45). This treaty was majorly for the benefit of America. The American considered the Japanese laws as inferior. As such, they could not trust their laws owing to the fact that the uncivilized individuals, relevant to the American considerations, designed such laws. The news of America and Japan signing a treaty sent several messages to other countries that ad interest in Japan (Perez, 53). Some of these countries included France and Britain. This made these countries to invade and take advantage of Japan. It is of crucial significance to note that the entry of such countries in Japan precipitated political stir in Japan. The political stir caused in Japan during those periods led to several changes in the country. In the year 1868, the effects of the political stir led to the emergence of Meiji Restoration. An Emperor named Meiji spearheaded the restoration. During the period of when the political instability was the order of the day in Japan, the Tokugawa rule was reigning (Shepley, 73). However, the Meiji Restoration saw Samurai’s overthrow the Tokugawa reign. This was done in order to ensure that full power was restored back to the Emperor Meiji. Upon resumption of the powers, Emperor Meiji together with his supporters forced shogun out of power. Following the removal of shogun from power, the emperor created a limited monarchy to rule the people (Perez, 62). This monarchy was based on the government of Germany. In order to strengthen hi rule, the Emperor Meiji through Meiji Restoration, reduced the powers enjoyed by Samurai as well as daimyo. Finally, the Meiji Restoration ensured the modernization of the Japanese military, economy as well as government. This took place in several stages under the leadership of Emperor Meiji. It is true that Emperor Meiji wanted industrialization in Japan. He ensured that he fought for this through any means possible. This follows that the emperor wanted Japan to be industrialized within the shortest time possible. This is because the emperor was aware that once Japan gets industrialized, it will have a very strong economy. Again, the emperor knew that the issue of industrialization would bring major changes in the political status as well as government in Japan. Moreover, Emperor Meiji wanted a change in the military of Japan. As such, he pushed for industrialization with all his efforts. He encouraged everybody to work towards realizing the goals and objectives of making Japan an industrialized country. The emperor was also aware that once Japan gets industrialized, major changes would take place in the society, involving developments as well as improvement in the infrastructure (Menton, 26). This shows that the issue of realization of industrial revolution in Japan was the top most job of the Emperor Meiji. Therefore, in order to achieve his mission, he invested much of his efforts in hiring foreign consultants, as well as sending the Japanese to learn abroad. He also ensured that he sent out several ambassadors to the overseas in order to get the technology required for enhancing the process of industrialization (Schlesinger, 31). The foreign consultants included the steel workers as well as the railroad engineers. The Japanese who were sent abroad majored on studies involving industry and military issues. This was important in ensuring a change in the military as well as brings several ideas to ensure industrialization is achieved as fast as possible. T he emperor also ensured development of railroads, telegraph lines as well as opening several schools. This was mean to train several people for the benefit of industrial growth. However, the balance of all these initiatives by the emperor was dealt a major challenge that saw the ordinary Japanese citizens face heavy taxations (Schlesinger, 42). The Japanese studied several constitutions. In the year 1889, they came up with their own constitution. This was called the Meiji Constitution. This constitution brought major changes in the political status of the Japan. The constitution championed equality of all men, as well as created legislature that was elected and with very little powers since. This follows that vast of political powers was vested in the Emperor. The people who were sent to study overseas came back with several military reforms. This saw the Emperor build a very strong military (Schlesinger, 56). They could build modern warships, use guns as well as canons and come up with very large armies. This followed the need of the Emperor to build a strong army that could effectively resist the western imperialism. This gave rise to the emergence of Japan in the year 1905. Japan becomes industrialized and realizes increased improvements in infrastructure and production. Japan starts to build several industries including iron smelters, shipyards as well as spinning mills. Works Cited Beasley, W G. The Rise of Modern Japan. New York: St. Martins Press, 2000. Print. Menton, Linda K. The Rise of Modern Japan. Honolulu: Curriculum Research & Development Group, University of Hawaii, 2002. Print. Perez, Louis G. Japan at War: An Encyclopedia. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2013. Print. Schlesinger, Jacob M. Shadow Shoguns: The Rise and Fall of Japans Postwar Political Machine. Stanford, Calif: Stanford University Press, 1999. Print. Shepley, Nick. Red Sun Rising: Japan, China and the West 1894-1941. Luton: Andrews U.K. Ltd, 2013. Internet resource. Read More