social - Japan Flashcards
(27 cards)
what did Japan set out to become during the Meiji period
They set out to become as strong and competitive as the Western nation
whose models did Japan use for their army and navy
German army, British Navy
what were citizens granted in the new constitution of 1889
Freedom of speech, religion, and association. However, the government reserves the right to withdraw these rights
what happened to the hierarchical social structure in Japan
It was eliminated to strengthen national unity. All Japanese had the same obligation - be loyal to the emperor and to the state
Did Japan’s government do away with previous traditions and values during the Meiji period
Government leaders decided that Japan should modernize, but not at the expense of the traditions and values that made it uniquely Japanese.
What did creating a national military do for Japan
A strong, centralized army of obedient and disciplined soldiers would strengthen the government
They would be seen as a strong nation and could renegotiate the unequal treaties of 1860
They could become a colonial power
To meet political goals
What was the dress of the emperor like in Japan during the Meiji period
The emperor wore a military uniform to symbolize his bond with the military.
how did the change in land ownership affect the farmers? Did they favor this change
Farmers were given ownership of their land, free to grow what they wanted and sell at markets, but they had to pay taxes. Peasant farmers of small farms often couldn’t afford the taxes, so they had to sell to wealthier farmers and just rent land from them. Wealthy farmers liked the system, but many poor farmers grew angry and protested violently. The national army stopped their protests.
What was Dajokan
The name of the new government in the meiji period
Why did Japan want to become a colonial power
The Meiji leaders believed that countries that had colonies were highly respected, and they wanted to be highly respected.
what did the Japanese army adopt in 1882
A type of bushido moral code called Restrict to the Soldiers. It stressed complete loyalty to the emperor. Loyalty, respect for superiors, valour, faithfulness, righteousness, and simplicity (same principles now- abolished samurai once used)
how was the conscription beneficial for Japan
Manpower and national unity
Who was Fukuzawa
He was an influential author, educator, and business entrepreneur. He was a member of the Iwakura Mission to the West and became a strong advocate for American-style democracy.
What symbol helped develop nationalistic feelings in Japan
The Emperor
What was the goal of changing Japan’s educational system
-strengthen national and social unity
-widen the support of the people
-ensure that values of citizenship and duty were taught to all
what was the rescript to soldiers
It symbolized the personal bond between the emperor and the military.
what is Japonisme
The enthusiasm that Americans and Europeans showed for Japanese art after Japan opened its borders.
What is a prefecture system
After all domains were officially abolished, they were replaced by a prefecture system, which is an administrative district similar to a large county
What did Japan think it needed to help create a better economy?
4New railroads were built joining all four major islands
Roads and highways were paved
Deep water harbours created
Telegraph and telephone systems were built
New tech and industries were imported, plus foreign people to train the Japanese
A ministry of banking set up to give subsidies to new businesses
capitalism
What were Matsukata Masayoshi’s policies for increasing Japan’s financial status?
Renegotiate the unequal treaties
Adopt economic policies that will protect Japan
Reduce spending
Promote private business and stop government-run business
Establish a department of Agriculture and Commerce and a state bank
New taxes and lowering the value of printed money
What is seppuku
A ritual suicide by disembowelment by sword done when they lost their lord.
What were the mottos used by young Japanese intellectuals
Bunmei kaika - civilization and enlightenment and risshin shusse - be a success. These mottos promoted the idea that if Japan wanted to succeed, then the individual had to succeed.
What is shintoism
A religion.
What does it mean to be filia
Showing proper respect
