1. The Making of Modern Japan Imperial Japan 1890-1912
Mr. Parker
IBH2

2. Meiji Constitution
Mixed Constitutional and Authoritarian Authority
Theory - Emperor was authority and PM and Cabinet were followers
Practice - Emperor was Head of State and PM was head of government
However Constitution was ambiguous on executive authority - Emperor and PM
PM and Cabinet not necessarily elected officials
National Government - BiCameral Legistature
BUT ALL power resided with the throne and its surrogates - including Genro

3. 1890 Elections First election under Meiji Constitution
Moment of pride for Japan
BUT - Western powers doubted Japan “could do” democracy
Elected by Male Suffrage, but eligibility based on tax requirement
Approximately ½ Million males could vote
Initial elections supported Western opinions - politics were petty.
Politics were disjointed - Ministers would fight and resign
Frequent election

4. Foreign Policy “HATTEN” - twin meaning - Expansion and Development
Japan’s role in Asia - force of modernisation or force of imperialism
Militarists and Nationalists push for a western style Empire in Asia
Expansion driven by industrialisation
US role in Philippines bring Japan and US face to face in the Pacific
Concession grabbing in China
Line of defense versus line of interest

5. War With China ( )
In the 19th Century Korea was under the influence of China - basis for war
Japan went to war over the “independence of Korea” - in reality it was to replace China
War was short - victory for Japan - boosted national unity and pride
Treaty of Shimonoseki
Territory (Taiwan), economic privileges, and money
Began Japan’s long involvement with Korea

6. Japan and Korea Japan faced with the issue of what to do with Korea
Treaty of Alliance
Establish a puppet government
Modernise Korea - similar reforms to Meiji
Korean resistance - Korea looks to Russia
After Russo-Japanese War Japan is emboldened
Officially annexes Korea in 1910

7. Japan and Russia Japan and Russia were squaring off in the N. Pacific
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
Gave Japan confidence to engage with Russia
Russo-Japanese War - 20th Century War - heavy cost to both sides
Japan’s victory elevates her in the eyes of the world
Japan gained Manchuria, Sakhalin and Korea

8. The End of the Meiji Period - 1912
Emperor dies, end of Meiji Period
Japan has emerged as a player on world stage
Established national security - but still challenges
Expenses in “defense”
Population growth and resource allocation
Love/hate relationship with US
”Yellow Peril”