Japan's Transition to Modernity

Japan's Modernization Journey

Explore Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern industrialized nation, marked by rapid social, political, and economic changes during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

In Feudal Japan...

• The Emperor had no real power

• The Shogun was in charge

  • Daimyo (lords) were controlled by the Shogun

  • Samurai (knights) fought for the Daimyo

Multiple Choice

Who had the real power in feudal Japan?

• Emperor

• Shogun

• Daimyo

• Samurai

Feudal Japan: Who's the Shogun?

Shoguns were the military dictators of feudal Japan and held the real power. They were appointed by the Emperor but had control over the samurai, daimyo, and the entire military. This Shogunate system lasted for over 700 years, with the most famous Shogun being the Tokugawa Shogunate - it lasted from 1603 to 1868.

Tokugawa Shoguns Wanted Change

• Daimyo lords often fought each other for control of lands, using their samurai knights.

• This feudal warfare divided Japan.

• Over many years, the Tokugawa united Japan into an orderly society. They kept the parts of feudalism that they liked.

• They also created a new central government -- called "centralized feudalism." Daimyo continued to govern at the local level.

Multiple Choice

Who are the most famous Japanese shoguns?

• Tokugawa

• Samurai

• Daimyo

• Nagasaki

Multiple Choice

What did the Tokugawa want to end?

• Feudal Politics

• Feudal Warfare

• the Emperor's control

• dependence on China

The Tokugawa Shogunate was Controlling

• Daimyo were required to live in the capital city, Edo, every other year. Their wives and children had to stay in the capital permanently! This gave the Shogun even more control.

• Daimyo were watched very carefully.

• Daimyo were required to have permission before marrying or even repairing their castles.

• The time of the Tokugawas was very stable and became known as the "Great Peace"

the Great Peace

• by the mid-1700s Japan changed from a rural farming society to a more urban, city-based, society

• Edo grew from a small town into one of the largest cities in the world

  • by the early 1800s its population was over 1 million people

• Trade increased, merchants grew rich

• A good economy advanced Japanese culture

Multiple Choice

Which is FALSE about the Tokugawa Shogunate?

• They forced Daimyo to live apart from their families every other year.

• They transformed Japan from a rural to an urban society.

• They brought peace.

• They caused a decline in Japanese trade.

Foreign Relations

• As more merchants and missionaries traveled to Japan, the country's leaders changed foreign policy to keep Japan separate from outside influence.

• For over 200 years (1630s to 1860s) the Tokagawas closed Japan to outsiders and led the country to develop independently.

• Nagasaki was the only port left open for foreign trade.

• Unlike other parts of Asia, Europeans did not start colonies in Japan.

Multiple Choice

The Tokugawa welcomed foreign influences.

• True

• False

What happened to the Tokugawa?

• The Tokugawa grew increasingly weak during the mid 19th century. Two groups joined forces to install a new emperor named Meiji. (He was only 14 years old at the time!)

• The Meiji Restoration marked the end of feudalism and the beginning of rapid industrialization. Japan embraced Western ideas, technology, and institutions.

• The Meiji period began in 1868, and ended with the Emperor's death in 1912.

Dropdown

Japan was governed by a system of ​

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until Emperor​

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took over in 1868. During the Meiji Restoration, Japan adopted many ​

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ideas.