Meiji Restoration

Quick Facts: Who was Meiji Restoration?

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Meiji Restoration

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The political upheaval restoring imperial rule and modernizing Japan in the late 19th century.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Meiji Restoration (明治維新, Meiji Ishin; also translated as the Meiji Reform[ation]), referred to at the time as the Honorable Restoration (御維新／御一新, Goi(s)shin), was a political event that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji and led to the Westernisation of Japan. Although there were ruling emperors before the Meiji Restoration, the events restored practical power to, and consolidated the political system under, the Emperor of Japan. The Restoration led to enormous changes in Japan's political and social structure and spanned both the late Edo period (often called the Bakumatsu) and the beginning of the Meiji era, during which time Japan rapidly industrialised and adopted Western ideas, production methods and technology. The origins of the Restoration lay in economic and political difficulties faced by the Tokugawa shogunate. These problems were compounded by the encroachment of foreign powers in the region, which challenged the Tokugawa policy of sakoku; specifically, the arrival of the Perry Expedition under orders from United States president Millard Fillmore.

Career & Major Achievements

Under subsequent unequal treaties, Japan was forced to open to the West, bringing the shōgun's ability to maintain Japanese sovereignty into question. The Emperor's rebuke of shogunal actions led to the emergence of an ideological divide within the samurai class concerned with their feudal obligations to both the shōgun and the Emperor. Many lower and middle-ranking samurai became shishi ("men of spirit") who were committed to the Emperor's proclamations to expel the barbarians. Factional disputes within the domains led some domains to conflict with the Tokugawa. After some initial setbacks, the domains organised into an anti-Tokugawa alliance, and, led by Satsuma and Chōshū, they overthrew the shogunal system.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On 3 January 1868, Emperor Meiji declared political power to be restored to the Imperial House. The goals of the restored government were expressed by the new emperor in the Charter Oath. Subsequent Tokugawa resistance to the new government materialised in the Boshin War and the short-lived Republic of Ezo, but by the 1870s, the Emperor's authority was practically unquestioned. The new government reorganised whole strata of society, abolishing the old currency, the domain system, and eventually the class position of the samurai. The abolition of the shogunate and industrialisation of society in emulation of foreign imperial powers led to backlash with the Saga Rebellion and the Satsuma Rebellion, but ultimately ended feudalism in Japanese society.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1868: 1868 Milestone — The Meiji Restoration (明治維新, Meiji Ishin; also translated as the Meiji Reform[ation]), referred to at the time as the Honorable Restoration (御維新／御一新, Goi(s)shin), was a political event that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji and led to the Westernisation of Japan.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Meiji Restoration

True or False: “Did the Meiji Restoration immediately abolish all existing social classes, including the samurai?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it eventually abolished the class position of the samurai, the process was gradual, involving initial reforms and subsequent rebellions like the Satsuma Rebellion.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Meiji Restoration