Does the Meiji Restoration deserve to be called a

‘Revolution’?L/O – To consider historical interpretations of the Meiji Restoration by

examining the political developments of the period

What is a Revolution?1. A forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in

favour of a new system.

2. A fundamental change in power or organisational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time.

3. An overthrow or repudiation and the thorough replacement of an established government or political system by the people governed.

4. A radical and persuasive change in society and the social structure, especially one made suddenly and often accompanied by violence.

What is a Revolution?• According to Crane Binton (1898-1966) in The Anatomy of

Revolution (1966), the revolutionary process goes through these phases:

1. The countries are generally prosperous before the revolution, but the government machinery was clearly inefficient – discontent is felt by wealthy citizens who feel restrained by the aristocracy.

2. The revolution has 3 stages: 1.) Moderate Stage – reformers overthrow the monarchy and gradually solve problems in a non-violent way; 2.) Radical Phase – extremists take control of government and begin a radical restructuring using force; 3.) Counter-Revolutionary Phase – tyranny of extremists overthrown by a coalition of forces who desire an end to violence.

3. Results – revolution brings many changes to the country but ends with a government similar to the one in place before the revolution!

Was the Meiji Restoration a Revolution?• The Meiji Restoration has been debated

by historians who question to what extent the restoration can be called a ‘revolution’.

• Most European revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries were led by members of new powerful classes like the urban bourgeoisie or working class, who challenged the privileges of long-entrenched feudal aristocrats.

• These have been described as ‘revolutions from below’.

Was the Meiji Restoration a Revolution?• In contrast, the Meiji Restoration was

an elite-led revolution by the Samurai class and their Daimyo. In this sense, it could be described as a ‘revolution from above’ or ‘aristocratic revolution’.

• But was it a true revolution? Many argue that the Restoration merely swapped one ruling class (Shogun and Tokugawa Bakufu) for another (the Emperor and samurai elite).

• Therefore was it a true ‘revolution’?

Was the Meiji Restoration a Revolution?• Yes - Historian Andrew Gordon states

that the Meiji Restoration created fundamental changes in Japanese society, thus meriting the term ‘revolution’ – A Modern History of Japan from Tokugawa Times to the Present, OUP: 2000

• No - Historian W.G. Beasley argues that when compared with other revolutions like the French or Russian, the Meiji Restoration did not constitute a revolution in the classical sense – The Meiji Restoration, Stanford University Press: 1972

Causes of the Nationalist Revolution• The restoration was led by the

Samurai class. The Samurai were not a ‘landed-elite’. Their power came from payment (stipends) from their Daimyo. They therefore had less to lose from revolution than elites in countries such as China.

• Once their Daimyo had decided to support the restoration movement by ending the privileges of the Samurai class, the Samurai had little choice but to join in.

Causes of the Nationalist Revolution• The revolutionaries were also motivated by

fear of foreign powers and discontent with the existing order.

• They were insulted by the unequal treaties imposed on Japan but knew that Japan could not defeat them without modernisation.

• They were aware that the Tokugawa order faced: military & economic weaknesses, political fragmentation and a failing social hierarchy that failed to recognise men of talent.

What political changes did the Restoration unleash and do they

amount to a revolution?

1.) Abolition of Daimyo Domains• By 1870, all Daimyo had voluntarily

surrendered all their lands back to the emperor.

• Daimyo were persuaded as the leaders of the restoration: the Daimyo of Satsuma, Choshu, Tosa and Hizen; all gave up their power first.

• In return, Daimyo were reappointed as governors with handsome salaries. This established the principle that all lands and people were subject to the emperor.

1.) Abolition of Daimyo Domains• The abolition of domains was consolidated

by forcing daimyo to appoint ‘men of talent’ and of lesser rank to key administrative positions – people more likely to welcome change.

• Many powerful Daimyo were also persuaded with the promise of good jobs in the new central government.

• This was finally backed with the threat of force – In April 1871 a new imperial army was created primarily from Satsuma and Choshu samurai.

1.) Abolition of Daimyo Domains• In August 1871, the emperor announced

that all domains were immediately abolished. They were replaced by ‘prefectures’ whose governors were appointed by the central government.

• Taxes were now collected, the Daimyo ordered to move to Tokyo, castles dismantled and 280 domains were reduced to 72 prefectures.

• New governors were not former Daimyo but middling Samurai who had fought for the restoration.

1.) Abolition of Daimyo Domains• Large payoffs were given to Daimyo’s to

sweeten the deal. They were also granted permanent yearly salaries equivalent to 10% of their former domain’s annual tax revenue.

•Most were content to take early retirement on generous terms.

•Question - Does the abolition of the Daimyo and their domains constitute a revolution?

2.) New Structure of Government• Early 1868 – a new provisional

government was created to rule in the name of the emperor.

• Late 1868 – Council of State established as highest political authority.

• 1871 – Council replaced by a set of government ministries and departments such as finance, foreign affairs, public works etc…

2.) New Structure of Government• 1885 – New cabinet system of government modelled

on European lines with a Prime Minister at its head. He led the cabinet which controlled all the ministries of government.

• 1887 – System of civil service examinations replaces rule by loyal samurai.

• 1889 – Meiji Constitution codifies this system and created a deliberative assembly (the Diet) but state ministers were responsible to the emperor, not the Diet.

2.) New Structure of Government

Read the 1889 Meiji Constitution and complete questions 1-6.

1. Who holds more power in the Meiji Constitution – the Emperor or the Diet?

2. Does the Meiji Constitution introduce full democracy to Japan or are elites in control still?

Question - Does the 1889 Meiji Constitution constitute a revolution?