Japan Modernizes C.H.9 SEC. 1 Bell work #1 If someone works they may be tired from a job and found it hard to pay attention in class

Strains in Tokugawa Japan  During this time, the economy expanded, especially internal commerce. But economic growth brought changes that put severe strain on the country.  The government responded by trying to revive old ways, emphasizing farming over commerce and extolling the virtues of simple moral values.

Opening Up Japan  While Tokugawa faced troubles at home, disturbing new reached them from abroad.  The British had defeated China in the Opium War and surely, it would not be long before western powers began seeking trading rights in Japan.

Foreign Pressure  July 1853, a fleet of well-armed American Ships commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Tokyo Bay. Perry had a letter form the President of the U.S. It demanded that Japan open its ports to trade.  In the treaty of Kanagawa in 1854, the shogun agreed to open two Japanese ports to American ships, though not for trade.

Crisis and Revolt  Foreign pressure depended the social and economic unrest began to set in against the Shogun.  The samurai rallied around the emperor.  “Honor the emperor,” Expel the Barbarian,” were their cries.  1867, discontented daimyo and samurai led a revolt that unseated the shogun and restored the emperor to power.

Meiji Restoration  The young emperor, 15 year old Meiji began his long reign from 1868 to This was a turning point in Japanese history.  The new leaders set out to study western ways, adapt them to Japanese needs, and eventually beat westerners at their own game.

Fukuzawa Yukichi Travels Abroad  An early Japanese visitor to the West was Fukuzawa Yukichi.  He sailed on the first Japanese ship to cross the Pacific and visit California. He set out to explain western culture to the Japanese culture to the West.  Pride in Japan- As the Kanrin-Maru set sail for the U.S, Fukuzawa was filled with pride

Exploring a New World  After 37 stormy days at sea, the Kanrin Maru reached San Francisco. There, the Japanese visitors saw many un-familiar sights. They were stunned to find the hotel floor covered with “valuable carpets that in Japan only the more wealthy could buy.”  Among Fukuzawa's more confusing experiences were drinks served with “strange fragments floating in them.” He told how “Some of the party swallowed these floating particles; others expelled them suddenly; others bravely chewed them.” Upon inspection they learned they were particles of Ice.

Reforms Under the Meiji  The Meiji reformers faced an enormous task. They were committed to replacing the rigid old feudal order with a new political and social system and to build a modern economy.  Government- Reformers wanted to create a strong central government. 1889, the emperor issued the Meiji constitution. It set forth the principle that all citizens were equal before the law.

Reforms  Economy Meiji leader made the economy a major priority. They encouraged Japan’s business class to adopt western methods. The government set up a banking system, built railroads, improved ports, and organized a telegraph and postal system.  The government typically built factories and then sold them to wealthy business families.  These powerful banking and industrial families were known as Zaibatsu.

Competition for Empire  Homogeneous society- has a common culture and language that gives it a strong sense of identity.  Japan lacked many basic resources, including coal, essential for its industrial growth. Yet spurred by nationalism and strong ambition to equal the west. Japan built an empire. With its modern army and navy, it maneuvered for power in East Asia.  Ten years later, Japan successfully challenged Russia and won. Japan ended up ruling Korea for 35 years.