Abolition of the han system

Quick Facts: Who was Abolition of the han system?

Subject:

Abolition of the han system

Known for:

The 1871 abolition of Japan's feudal han system, centralizing power under the Meiji government.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The abolition of the han system (廃藩置県, haihan-chiken) in the Empire of Japan and its replacement by a system of prefectures in 1871 was the culmination of the Meiji Restoration begun in 1868, the starting year of the Meiji period. Under the reform, all daimyos (大名, daimyō, feudal lords) were required to return their authority to the Emperor Meiji and his house. The process was accomplished in several stages, resulting in a new centralized government of Meiji Japan and the replacement of the old feudal system with a new oligarchy. After the defeat of forces loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate during the Boshin War in 1868, the new Meiji government confiscated all lands formerly under direct control of the Shogunate (tenryō) and lands controlled by daimyos who remained loyal to the Tokugawa cause. These lands accounted for approximately a quarter of the land area of Japan and were reorganized into prefectures with governors appointed directly by the central government.

Career & Major Achievements

The second phase in the abolition of the han came in 1869. The movement was spearheaded by Kido Takayoshi of the Chōshū Domain, with the backing of court nobles Iwakura Tomomi and Sanjō Sanetomi. Kido persuaded the lords of Chōshū and of Satsuma, the two leading domains in the overthrow of the Tokugawa, to voluntarily surrender their domains to the Emperor. Between July 25, 1869, and August 2, 1869, fearing that their loyalty would be questioned, the daimyos of 260 other domains followed suit. Only 14 domains failed to initially comply voluntarily with the return of the domains (版籍奉還, hanseki hōkan), and were then ordered to do so by the Court, under the threat of military action.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In return for surrendering their hereditary authority to the central government, the daimyos were re-appointed as non-hereditary governors of their former domains (which were renamed as prefectures), and were allowed to keep ten percent of the tax revenues, based on actual rice production (which was greater than the nominal rice production upon which their feudal obligations under the Shogunate were formerly based). As governors, the former daimyos could name subordinates, but only if the subordinates met qualification levels established by the central government. Furthermore, hereditary stipends to their samurai retainers were paid out of the prefectural office by the central government, and not directly by the governor, a move calculated to further weaken the traditional feudal ties. The term daimyō was abolished in July 1869 as well, with the formation of the kazoku peerage system. Although the former daimyos had become government employees, they still retained a measure of military and fiscal independence, and enjoyed the customary veneration of their former subjects.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1868: 1868 Milestone — After the defeat of forces loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate during the Boshin War in 1868, the new Meiji government confiscated all lands formerly under direct control of the Shogunate (tenryō) and lands controlled by daimyos who remained loyal to the Tokugawa cause.
2. 1869: 1869 Milestone — The second phase in the abolition of the han came in 1869.
3. 1871: 1871 Milestone — The abolition of the han system (廃藩置県, haihan-chiken) in the Empire of Japan and its replacement by a system of prefectures in 1871 was the culmination of the Meiji Restoration begun in 1868, the starting year of the Meiji period.

Notable Quotes by Abolition of the han system

“Together with the abolition of the han system, dispatching the Iwakura Mission to America and Europe must be cited as the most important events that built the foundation of our state after the Restoration.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Abolition of the han system

True or False: “The daimyos were immediately allowed to retain all their former tax revenues after surrendering their domains in 1869.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Daimyos were only allowed to keep ten percent of the tax revenues based on actual rice production, and central government control was gradually increased.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abanindranath Tagore — Historical peer (Born in 1871) (1871): Pioneering figure of the Bengal School, modernizing Indian art against Western influence.
• Alexander Scriabin — Historical peer (Born in 1871) (1871): Russian composer and pianist, known for his highly dissonant, mystical, and color-coded musical language.
• Abdülmecid II — Historical peer (Born in 1868) (1868): Last Ottoman Caliph and prominent Turkish aesthete, head of the Osmanoğlu family.
• Adah Isaacs Menken — Historical peer (Died in 1868) (1868): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Alice Hamilton — Historical peer (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering toxicologist and advocate for occupational health and safety.
• Alphonse de Lamartine — Historical peer (Died in 1869) (1869): French poet, author, and statesman whose career spanned revolutionary fervor and republican ideals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Abolition of the han system