HIST 103 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Meiji Period, Meiji Restoration, Emperor Meiji
Document Summary
Japanese shogun signed treaty in 1854 to open up trade with us. Gave japan model railroad and telegraph and stuff gifts, japan gave sumo wrestling match. The treaty started a trend of treaties with russia and britain. Treaties became symbols of japan"s impotence local rulers began to blame the shogun for selling out country to foreigners. 1868 , two most powerful regional daimyo banded together to overthrow shogun emporer to previous position and power. Their motives were not traditional at all, but rather nationalistic and modern. Goal was to restore japan"s independence and build it up economically militarily. To do this they created methodical program of reform. Became known as meiji restoration after young emporer they placed on throne. Soon this industrialization made japan develop fairly rapidly. Japan won the war and gained taiwan which remained japan"s colony until 1945. Decade later japan colonized korea which also was theirs until wwii. This all allowed japan to join imperial powers.
