Meiji Restoration Period

Many key developments during the Meiji Restoration played a significant role that allowed modernisation to occur in Japan. The period of the Meiji Restoration which began in 1868 under the control of Emperor Meiji was a time that propelled Japan in a modernised manner through the variety of changes that had developed. This additionally allowed Japan to adopt the notions of technology and the economic, political and social systems of other western countries such as the USA. Some of the key developments that happened included the downfall of the Bakufu which evoked political change, the changing role of the Samurai whereby provoking cultural and social innovations and the arrival of Commodore Perry that sparked a new existence of military reform.

The samurai were the warriors of Japan that made up the ruling military class that played a crucial function in Japanese society through everything they did. They were wealthier and more privileged than most that resided in Japan’s population and were the country’s military, social and economic elite. However, as many factors came into account that lead to the extinction of the Samurai such as of the instance of the urbanisation of Japan whereas more and more farmers started moving to cities, less and less rice was harvested to be able to be produced. So what once was the luxurious state of the ruling classes of the feudal lords and samurais became worsened towards the economic component. Additionally, another circumstance was when U.S fleets sailed into Edo bay to present treaties to overrule Japan including the supreme classes. Through the medium of this, it meant that the Samurais transformed greatly from being high class warriors to ordinary bureaucrats. This ideal significantly outlined that Japan’s philosophy and social structure was not all that persistent but turned out to be frail. As a consequence, it made Japan think diversely and came upon the decision that they should overhaul their current condition and

On the 8th of July in 1853, two streamers and two sailing vessels from the U.S Navy voyaged into Edo Bay led by Commodore Perry with the sole aim of demanding Japan to open all of their ports and to register trade with the United States through signing a treaty. Although Japan disagreed, it was clear that the Japanese had no navy to defend themselves and thereby, had to agree to the demands. Upon this, the treaty would then be signed in 1854 and further interest from other western domains would be abroad for the same ideal. This, as a result, guided Japan to evolve due to the lack of authorisation and brought about to Japan to promote the necessity to build a strong military force so that Japan does not make the same mistakes as they have done before and not to shadow what other nations have failed to