1. End of Japanese Isolation and Meiji Restoration
Global History & Geography | 10th Grade Boys & Girls
1 August 2019

2. End of Japanese Isolation
During 1600s Tokugawa Shogun Closed Japan from European Contact
1n 1854 Commodore Matthew Perry brought letter form US President Fillmore
U.S Military power forced the Japanese Shogun to sign a treaty with the US.
Treaty of Kanagawa

3. Effect of the Treaty of Kanagawa
Japanese ports were to be opened to foreign nations
Many European nations signed similar treaties with Japan
Japanese lost faith in the leadership of Shogun
Many felt that Japan should modernize
A rebellion by daimyos and samurai overthrew the shogun and brought Emperor to power – Meiji Restoration.

4. Meiji Restoration Meiji – Enlightened Rule. Borrowing from the West:
Sent a delegation to the West to learn about technology, economy, government and education system of the west.
Western Experts were invited to teach in Japanese schools and colleges.

5. Economic Reform
Land reform was done to take land away from the daimyo and given to the peasants directly – government got taxes.
Tax money was used to set up businesses and factories that government sold to wealthy business families – zaibatsus.
Government also supported the economy by building banking and postal systems.
It built railroads and improved ports.

6. Government Reform German model of government was adopted.
A strong central government was set up.
A two house (legislature) parliament was set up with one elected by limited suffrage.
A constitution gave the emperor autocratic power.

7. Military Reform Samurai was abolished
All men had to serve the armed forces through compulsory military service
A strong military was built with strong navy and army.
Japan defeated China in Korea and Russia in Manchuria
Japan became one of the strongest world powers

8. Social Reform A system of public education system was established.
Universities were set up with western instructors to teach technology
The Japanese value system was maintained

9. Homework
Page 704
questions 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7