Timon Hume
World History
21 February 20015
Japan's Modernization from Stagnant Beginnings
Throughout history, progress has always been a driving factor in human development. Modernization, the implication of modern methods and instruments, is one of the many forms of progress seen that has shaped countries and societies into what exist today. Many countries over the course of history have been forced into development. This is never a smooth process. With the overthrow of traditions, and pre-existing social structures that holds nations and people together, there is revolt. For countries wishing to modernize, the most effective way of doing so is efficiently with little time wasted. Japan modernized within a period of 100 years, with little bloodshed. Transitioning from the Tokugawa period of peace and unchanging lifestyle to an industrial world superpower, Japan is a very useful example of how a country should modernize. The modernization of Japan, also called the Meiji Restoration, is often referred to as the "bloodless revolution". Unlike the wording, the Meiji Restoration did not come to pass without revolts, such as would be seen in the Satsuma and Conscript revolts. To initialize this revolution, the Japanese studied other countries with successful governments, constitutions, armies, education, and forms of industry. Not only copying models for running economy, the Japanese also extensively learned about and reproduced inventions from other countries. Being left behind the other countries of the world in modernization, isolated from outside influence, Japan had to change itself as a country without destroying its highly developed traditions.
Before the modern development of Japan in 1863, there was a long section of time where the country was at peace. This period in Japanese history is the Tokugawa Period. Lasting from 1603-1868, this era was undisturbed by change. Supporting an oppressive feudal rule of set hierarchal social positions, the Tokugawa Period kept a stable grip on the peasants of Japan. Established in this system was a pyramid of power. The ruler of Japan, the Shogunate, had the highest authority of power. Next down were the daimyo and shogun, as the wealthy landowners. The daimyo were wealthy warlords that ruled over a domain of land and their samurai warriors. Ruling over the daimyo were the shogun. As hereditary rich landowners the shogun had much power over Japan, and fought amongst themselves for property and influence. Further down in power existed samurai warriors under their master daimyo as warriors and peacekeepers. The samurai were the upper class in society. With peasants below them. However, merchants were seen as lower in class when compared to artisans and peasants unlike other cases in the west. This is because the merchants did not produce anything of their own, and therefore were seen as lower in ability than the artisans. Although, from the upbringing of industry, this placement of class would soon see a turn. (http://www.colorado.edu/cas/TEA/curriculum/imaging-japanese-history/tokugawa/essay.html)
The Tokugawa Period emerged from a time of disrupt and wars. By the year 1590, the whole of Japan had been taken over by one line of daimyo. Nobunaga and his successor, Hideyoshi, secured all the domains of Japan between both their lifetimes. This ultimate rein of power would soon be taken over, after the passing of Hideyoshi, by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Named after this first shogunate in the Tokugawa family line, the Tokugawa period owes its 253 years of peace to the governing style brought about by Tokugawa Ieyasu and his heirs. They kept an authoritarian rule over the country, but held it together by giving some of their power to the daimyo. This can be seen in the shoguns' way of distributing land to the daimyo, giving their territory to allies of the Tokugawa family line. With the power given to the loyal daimyo, there were incentives to support the shogunate, and not revolt. Along with this period of peace came revenue. Starting in the agricultural economy and moving up to the sails of products other than foods, Japan experienced much economic growth. It was the role of peasants to farm, supplying the country with food, and the artisans were to create items that, along with food, were sold by merchants. These markets soon also experienced economic growth. Fueled by the rising populations in cities, the the demand for goods grew, and thus brought revenue to storekeepers. These merchants were able to amass a grand amount of wealth through their sales. This brought the merchant class up from the bottom of the pyramid of social power to replace the samurai, which, with the inability to partake in the sales of merchandise, fell in power and social standings.(http://www.colorado.edu/cas/TEA/curriculum/imaging-japanese-history/tokugawa/essay.html)
After this time of lasting peace and developing economy, the Japanese government was determined to improve the country. With the arrival of foreign powers, the Japanese were confronted with the option of either being overtaken or modernizing. New laws, and a constitution were a few major factors that lead to the unhappiness of Japan's populace. New ideas being forcefully implemented into an economy usually leads to a clash of ideals, and the rebellion of citizens. Two instances in rebellion against Japan's modernization were the Satsuma Revolt, and the Conscript Revolt. The Satsuma Revolt began with the enactment of new military reforms ridding the samurai of their status in society. The leader, Saigo Takamori, of the samurai rebellion along with his men, were overpowered and defeated. The other case for rebellion was due to the Conscription Act, that would enforce every Japanese man to serve for a limited time in the military. Once again there was revolt from the samurai, and heated by this conflict many citizens of Japan were also representatives in this revolt. (http://www.historynet.com/satsuma-rebellion-satsuma-clan-samurai-against-the-imperial-japanese-army.htm)
Hardship felt by the peoples of any country in history have at most been met with much conflict. Although, from these stressing circumstances can come great accomplishments and advancement for such a nation. A large portion of what changed Japan during its modernization was the creation of mass industry. The importing of technology and ideas into the country allowed Japan to copy modernized industrial communities from around the world. In order to gain power the Japanese government began the Iwakura Mission, sending out students and professors over the world to gather information of existing governments and bring it back to Japan. This mission also included the hiring of scientists, engineers, and other specialists to train the people of Japan in their foreign concepts. By this method, Japan effectively reproduced the U.S. and Germany's military, Prussia's constitution and government, and the Dutch and U.S.'s banking system. This collection of governing systems was also accompanied by the introduction of the telegraph, railroads, telephone lines, large factories, and other technology into Japan.
While creating goods in factories and developing its government, Japan was also reworking its education and constitutional systems. Creating an Imperial Rescript, Japan fortified its social network with guidelines concerning morality. This code established imperial tradition for the citizens of Japan as a code of conduct. "So shall ye not only be our good and faithful subjects, but render illustrious the best traditions of your forefathers. The Way here set forth is indeed the teaching bequeathed by Our Imperial Ancestors," (http://www.discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2008/2/13/imperial-rescript/). Relating a description of well mannered behavior, the Imperial Rescript of Japan built a spirit of nationalism for Japan, bringing together its people and creating advocacy for Japan. A Charter Oath would also be invented during this time in Japan, and would act as the first constitution of the country, relaying rights to the people of Japan and the government. Both of these documents would shape the country and create a sense of public participation.
To come to the point of national identity and power, feudal Japan slowly advanced through a period of peace and economic growth, suffered the Satsuma and Conscript Revolts, and modernized by bringing in new technology and forms of government from around the world. The Tokugawa Period of peace and centralized feudalism had a prospering economy that supported the merchant class. Beginning with the Meiji Restoration, Japan had two revolts pertaining to the fallen status of the samurai class. However, from these rebellions came industry and the importation of knowledge and technology to Japan along with new social guidelines and a constitution. When comparing Japan's modernization with other countries, Japan was very efficient. Without much bloodshed or national debt, the modernization of Japan is a quite suitable model for how to develop a country.
Work Cited
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curriculum/imaging-japanese-history/tokugawa/essay.html>.
"Satsuma Rebellion: Satsuma Clan Samurai Against the Imperial Japanese Army." History Net.
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