Social Changes in the meiji restoration period

1. Caroline Bennett, Ella Salter and Jabriel AlSuhaimi Social Changes in the meiji restoration period

2. Fall of Feudalism • A proper centralized government could only be established if daimyo stopped exercising feudal powers. • in 1868, an imperial officer was appointed to every feudal region (fief). • The intention of these imperial officers was not to overtake the daimyo in their power and control over the fief, but to show the increasing power and authority of the central government. • In 1869, the daimyo of Western clans handed over their powers to the central government at will, and the remaining daimyo were forced to afterwards. • Daimyo received compensation: pension, paid debts, and granted position of governors. • They were happy with this agreement, due to their benefit of wealth, while others in society struggled.

3. Religion • Buddhism and Shinto were main religions in Japan. • New government favored Shinto religion • Shinto shrines were erected all over Japan • Emperors birthday was declared national holiday.

4. Food • Famine’s were less common. Government moved quickly throughout country. • Improved methods of production • Average consumption rose from 3.5 to 5.0 bushels per person • Meat introduced into diet after western influence. • Foreign tastes led to demand for milk, butter, cheese, white sugar and tinned meat.

5. Clothing and Fashion • People were allowed to wear what they could afford. Cotton was favored by the poor because of it’s cheapness. • Preferred western garments • Soldiers and sailors dressed in western-style uniforms • Adopted simpler western hairstyles

6. Technology • Guns, weaponry and Steam ships • Technological progress in postage stamps • Wool and cotton mills • More factories because of raw materials could now be imported into Japan. • Japan developed its own railway system of trains based on a model given to them by the Westerners. Americans took 150 years. Japanese took 50. The train system was significantly more reliable and efficient. • Modern postal system – 1868 • Modern telegraph system – 1871 • The clock was brought into Japan. Before that, they used the sun. • Students sent to USA and Europe to study modern technology and scientific research.

7. Education • Patriotism, students told to put the interests of the nation before their personal ones. • Led to a generation that was devoted to the Emperor and the State, rather than needs of an individual. • 1890: Emperor’s Re-script on education, instructions that students had to follow. • Emperor’s statement: “knowledge shall be sought throughout the world so as to strengthen the foundations of imperial rule.” • Students began traveling overseas to America and Europe to study. • Ministry of Education established in 1871 by the government. • 1872: all Japanese children must have at least 4 years of primary school. • Led to more primary, secondary and tertiary schools built. • 1906: 95% of Japanese children getting a primary education. • Japan became Asia’s first literate nation. • Western subjects taught in schools: Mathematics, English, Science. • Traditional Japanese values for boys and girls differed: girls taught domestic skills while boys were taught more about building the nation. • Growth in education led to growth of daily newspapers