Fix the mistake: Meiji period

The Meiji Restoration and the Establishment of the New Government

In 1868, the Edo shogunate, which had lasted for more than 260 years, fell, and a new government centered on the emperor was born. The Meiji Restoration was the starting point for Japan's transformation into a modern nation.

Basic Knowledge

In 1867, the fifteenth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, carried out the return of political power to the imperial court. The following Charter Oath for the Restoration of Imperial Rule established a new government centered on the emperor. However, the former shogunate army and the new government army came into conflict, causing the Boshin War（1868〜69）. It began with the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and ended with the Battle of Goryokaku. The new government announced its basic policies in the Charter Oath, renamed Edo Tokyo, and adopted the era name Meiji.

Further Study (Background and Effects)

After Perry's arrival(1853), the late Edo period was shaken by rising prices caused by the opening of Japan and the movement to expel foreigners. Satsuma and Choshu formed an alliance (Satsuma-Choshu Alliance, 1866, mediated by Sakamoto Ryoma) and became central to the movement to overthrow the shogunate. After the Restoration, the new government had daimyo return land and people to the emperor through the return of registers of land and people(1869), and abolished domains and established prefectures through the abolition of domains and establishment of prefectures(1871). This completed a centralized nation-state. Under the ideal of equality of the four classes, the status system of warriors, farmers, artisans, and merchants was also abolished.

Points of Caution (Easily Confused)

① The return of political power(returning the government, 1867) and the Charter Oath for the Restoration of Imperial Rule(declaration of direct imperial rule, 1867) were different events. ② Distinguish the return of registers of land and people(1869, returning land and people) from the abolition of domains and establishment of prefectures(1871, abolishing the domains themselves). ③ The Boshin War is easily confused with the Satsuma Rebellion(1877), but Boshin was the former shogunate versus the new government, while the Satsuma Rebellion was a former warrior uprising. ④ Among the Three Great Restoration Leaders, Saigo died by suicide in the Satsuma Rebellion, Okubo was assassinated, and Kido died of illness.

Practice

1. What was the event in 1867 in which Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned political power to the imperial court?
2. What was the name of the policy that abolished domains and established prefectures in 1871?
3. Give the names of the three Great Restoration Leaders.