【History】Modern Japan and the World: A Journey Toward Building a New Nation
Hello everyone! How is your history studying going?
You might feel that it's tough because there is so much to memorize. But this chapter, "Modern Japan and the World," is an incredibly exciting era where the foundation of our current life was built. From an era of samurai carrying swords to just a few decades later, when trains were running and a constitution was created—let’s look at how Japan underwent this "huge transformation" together! It might feel difficult at first, but don't worry. I'll break it down for you by focusing on the key points.
What you will learn in this chapter:
1. Why Japan ended its national isolation (Sakoku) and stepped out into the world.
2. What the "great renovation" of the Meiji Restoration was all about.
3. The efforts Japan made to be treated as an equal by the rest of the world.
1. The End of the Edo Period: When Japan Met the "World"
At the end of the Edo period, large ships (the Black Ships) suddenly arrived from America. This is the famous arrival of Commodore Perry.
What are Unequal Treaties?
Japan signed treaties with countries like the United States, but these were unequal treaties that put Japan at a major disadvantage.
Here are the two key points!
- Extraterritoriality (Consular Jurisdiction): Even if a foreigner committed a crime in Japan, they could not be judged by Japanese law. (Japan loses!)
- Lack of Tariff Autonomy: Japan could not freely set the taxes on imported goods. (Japan loses!)
Point:
From this point on, the leaders of the Meiji era moved forward with nation-building with the goal of "somehow eliminating this inequality!"
Fun Fact:
It is said that when the Japanese people of the time first saw steamships, they were so shocked—thinking "a giant monster that spits smoke has arrived!"—that they fell over in surprise. Perhaps it was as shocking to them as it would be for us to suddenly see a spaceship today.
2. The Meiji Restoration: A Major National Renovation!
The Edo Shogunate fell, and a new government was formed. This is called the Meiji Restoration.
What kind of reforms were carried out?
The new government adopted the slogan "Fukoku Kyohei" (Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Armed Forces) to make Japan as strong as the Western powers.
- Haihan-chiken (Abolition of the Han System and Establishment of Prefectures): The "Han" (feudal domains) were abolished and replaced with "Ken" (prefectures), allowing the government to directly govern the whole country.
- Gakusei (The Education System): With the goal of "Education for all!", they created a system for children to attend elementary school.
- Chōheirei (Conscription Ordinance): Compulsory military service was imposed on all men over 20. The era where "only samurai fight" was over.
- Chiso Kaisei (Land Tax Reform): Land ownership was clearly defined, and taxes were to be paid in "money" instead of rice. This stabilized the government's revenue.
Common Mistake:
People often mistakenly think that the Land Tax Reform made taxes "cheaper," but it was actually just as heavy a burden for farmers as it had been before. Because of this, peasant uprisings occurred in various places.
3. The Freedom and People's Rights Movement and the Constitution
While the government was busy making new decisions, people began to stand up, saying, "Listen to the opinions of the people, too!" This was the Freedom and People's Rights Movement.
Key Leaders and Events
Itagaki Taisuke submitted the "Petition for the Establishment of an Elected Parliament" and demanded the creation of a national assembly.
In response to this, the Constitution of the Empire of Japan was promulgated in 1889, and Japan's first national assembly (the Diet) opened the following year.
Memorization Trick:
Try remembering it as "I-ha-ha-ku (1889) in the country, the constitution was born!" (This works well in Japanese!).
Summary of this section:
Japan became the first nation in Asia to grow into a "modern state" with a constitution and a national assembly.
4. Wars and Rising International Status
In order to fix the unequal treaties, Japan first tried to prove that it was a "strong nation."
Two Major Wars
- First Sino-Japanese War (1894–): A war against the Qing dynasty (China). Japan won, signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, and received a large amount of war reparations and territory like Taiwan.
- Russo-Japanese War (1904–): A war against Russia. Despite having a tough fight, Japan signed the Treaty of Portsmouth in a position close to victory.
Success in Treaty Revision:
The efforts, such as winning these wars, were recognized, and the unequal treaties were finally revised!
・Mutsu Munemitsu: Succeeded in abolishing extraterritoriality.
・Komura Jutaro: Succeeded in restoring tariff autonomy.
Remember: "Mutsu" got angry and stopped the trials; "Komura" and others brought back the tariffs!
5. Social Changes and Modern Culture
During this era, people's lives changed significantly. This is known as Bunmei Kaika (Civilization and Enlightenment).
- Lifestyle: Trends like eating beef in "gyunabe" (beef hotpot), "zangiri" (cropped) hairstyles, Western clothing, and brick buildings became popular.
- Industry: Facilities like the Tomioka Silk Mill (a World Heritage site) were built, and the export of raw silk and cotton yarn flourished. This is called the "Industrial Revolution."
- Culture: Famous novelists like Natsume Soseki and Mori Ogai appeared, and in the field of medicine, Noguchi Hideyo and Kitasato Shibasaburo became world-renowned.
Fun Fact:
A popular phrase at the time was, "If you tap a cropped head, you can hear the sound of civilization and enlightenment." You can really feel the excitement of the people at the time, who wanted to discard old ideas and embrace new ones!
Conclusion: A Final Review
Modern Japan was driven by a powerful energy to "get rid of inequality!" and "catch up to the West!" To do this, they built schools to educate people, constructed factories to strengthen the economy, and created a constitution to establish rules for the country.
★Remember these key points!★
1. The unequal treaties following Commodore Perry's arrival were the starting point for everything.
2. The Meiji Restoration (Haihan-chiken, Gakusei, Chōheirei, Chiso Kaisei) renovated the nation.
3. Through the Freedom and People's Rights Movement, Asia's first constitution and national assembly were born.
4. Through the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese Wars, Japan finally achieved its long-cherished goal of treaty revision.
History becomes much more interesting when you think about the "why" behind events. Next time, let's learn together about what kind of path this newly grown Japan would take! I'm rooting for you!