Japanese Revolution

What is the Japanese revolution? How Meiji Government’s steps affect the revolution? What are the Impacts of the Industrial Revolution in Japan? How well the restoration transforms Japan? Read further to know more.

The Japanese revolution or Meiji restoration was a crucial period of transition of Japan from a pre-modern to a modern society. The Meiji restoration affected all the social, political, and economic aspects of Japan as well as its military.

During this time Japan rapidly industrialized and adopted Western ideas and production methods, which led to unprecedented changes in the economy, social fabric, and military of Japan. This furthered an impact not just on the country but on the whole world at large.

The Japanese revolution or The Restoration

• The Japanese revolution or Meiji Restoration is a political revolution in 1868 that brought about the final demise of the Tokugawa shogunate (military government), thus ending the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867)  at least nominally, returned control of the country to direct imperial rule under Mutsuhito (the emperor Meiji).
• In a wider context, however, the Meiji Restoration of 1868 came to be identified with the subsequent era of major political, economic, and social change. This period brought about the modernization and Westernization of the country.
• The restoration event itself consisted of a coup d’état in the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto on January 3, 1868.
• The perpetrators announced the ouster of Tokugawa Yoshinobu (the last shogun) who by late 1867 was no longer effective in power and proclaimed the young Meiji emperor to be the ruler of Japan. Yoshinobu mounted a brief civil war that ended with his surrender to imperial forces in June 1869.

Reforms of the Meiji Government in the Japanese revolution

• A number of reforms were started by the Meiji Government to promote capitalism in Japan. A feudal system of post stations, merchant guilds, and checkpoints that served as impediments to industrial expansion was one of them.
• In 1869, the first telegraph line between Tokyo and Yokohama was constructed as part of the new infrastructure.
• The previous courier system was superseded by the modern postal service in 1871, and post offices were put up all over the nation to sell stamps and postcards for predetermined rates. When Japan joined the Universal Postal Services in 1877, its postal services were connected to those across the globe. Japan would import its first telephone sets that same year.
• In 1872, the first rail services between Tokyo and Yokohama will begin. with the opening of new linkages in 1874 and 1877. The majority of Japan had Rail networks at the turn of the century.
• Major roads in the nation were also renovated by the government, ensuring efficient delivery of products throughout Japan.
• The Meiji administration promoted the formation of private businesses through patronage that would later compete with Western corporations. Government assistance would flow to corporations like Mitsubishi, Mitsui, and Ono. These businesses would establish and run numerous plants that would produce both industrial and agricultural products.
• For example, The Tomioka Silk Mill in the Gunma Prefecture, the most well-known of these, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was constructed in 1872 and would have 300 French-imported silk reeling machines. French technicians instructed the mill workers on how to operate these devices. The local employees would then impart their knowledge to other mills around the nation.
• The Japanese light industry and the country’s economy as a whole would change as cotton and silk production increased. Japan’s capitalist economy was well established by 1898.

Transformation of Japan after Meiji restoration/Japanese revolution

• The Meiji Restoration was successful in establishing a centralized, bureaucratic administration.
• By the end of the century, the light industry will have undergone a revolution, and the country’s communication and transportation systems will have improved.
• Along with it, the rigid class system that characterized the feudal era was destroyed.
• In Japan, universal education was first adopted. Western and Japanese cultural concepts were integrated in education. Japan’s populace was suddenly well-educated and had greater social mobility.
• A conscript military, modeled after the west, was established after the traditional samurai system was abolished. The military began to modernize, which contributed to its success in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars.
• Adopted the slogan “Wealthy Country and Strong Arms” which proved to be a cardinal doctrine of Japan’s imperialist expansion
• Contact with the Europeans was encouraged. Even the govt was organized on Western lines. A Japanese Parliament called the Diet was set up along the lines of the Dutch parliament
• Trade also increased which led to the development of the Banking and financial system

Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Japan

• Japan’s quick industrialization aided in the modernization of its military to the point where it could compete with major European powers. These would start with Russia. The Japanese army and navy invaded Korean territory held by the Russian Empire in 1904 and dealt the Russian Empire a number of setbacks.
• The battle of Tsushima in 1905, in which the Japanese navy completely annihilated the Russian Baltic fleet, would prove to be the turning point of the war. For the first time ever, an Asian fleet completely destroyed a European navy.
• The world powers of the era would view Japan in a new light, shifting from one of an agricultural backwater to one of a significant superpower, with astonishment and trepidation.
• With its increased confidence in handling global affairs, Japan fought alongside the Allies during World War I, but it was still disregarded when Germany lost the conflict and its colonies were divided among the war’s winners. Frustrated, Japan would build the Axis coalition by forming new relationships with its previous adversaries.
• To the dismay of the League of Nations, Japan would invade China in 1936 as its confidence in its own industrial strength grew. By attacking the US naval base at Pearl Harbour in December 1941, Japan launched World War II in the Pacific, but this time it would face the foe that had first opened its doors to the industrial revolution. Japan believed that no one would stand in the way of it becoming its own colonial empire.
• There was a new Constitution put in place. The industrial revolution in Japan resulted in new legislation.

Conclusion

The Japanese Industrial Revolution made a significant contribution to the country’s capitalism, economic development, and industrial progress.

Additionally, it signaled the end of the Tokugawa shogunate policy of the Edo period Japanese military system, which oversaw both the government and the daimyo (from 1603 to 1868).

Ideas and concepts from the Meiji era helped spark the Japanese Industrial Revolution. Additionally, twin policy adoption came to an end.

The Meiji restoration was ultimately a huge success. In Japan, some of the alterations are still practiced. Thanks to the advantages of the industrial revolution, Japan became the dominant Asian power of its day.

Also read: Russian Revolution (1917-1923)

Article written by Aseem Muhammed