E. Napp

The Meiji Restoration

In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:

The Meiji Restoration

Modernization

Effects of the Meiji Restoration

E. Napp

The last Tokugawa Shogun

wascriticized for

opening Japan to the West. The

Shogunatecollapsed.

E. Napp

The Emperor was suddenly restored topower. It is important to remember thatduring the Shogunate, the emperors had

acted as mere puppets.

E. Napp

The Meiji Restoration restoredpower to the Emperors of Japan.

E. Napp

Emperor Meiji realized that Japan hadto adopt Western ways if Japan was toescape future domination by the West.

E. Napp

Emperor Meiji began the process ofmodernization. The Japanese became

a modern nation with modern technology.

E. Napp

One effect of the Meiji Restoration wasthat feudalism was abolished. The samurai lost their status. A modern

military was established.

E. Napp

The Japanese adopted Western technology. They built railroads

and factories.

E. Napp

Japan was given a written constitution.The emperor kept his full power anda Western-style military was created.

E. Napp

Universal compulsory education was introduced. Many Japanese studentswent abroad to study European and

American economic policies and technological innovations.

E. Napp

Like Peter theGreat, the RussianTsar, the Japanese

began to lookto the West in

an attemptto become

a powerful, modernnation.

E. Napp

The Japanese even developed anImperial Empire.

E. Napp

It is important to remember that Japan hasfew natural resources. The Japanese

began to conquer colonies for raw materials for manufacturing.

E. Napp

Questions for Reflection:

• Why were people upset with the Tokugawa Shogun?

• What was the Meiji Restoration?• Why did Emperor Meiji modernize and

westernize Japan?• What were three effects of the Meiji

Restoration?• How did the Meiji Restoration end

feudalism in Japan?