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How Did The Meiji Restoration Change Japan

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The Meiji Era, also known as the Meiji Restoration, lasted from 1868-1912. It was an era for great change and this was also the period in which Japan became more modern. During this era, Japan witnessed changes politically, socially, and economically as it worked to become more modern. Japan expressed a desire to catch up to and adopt the policies of its Western counterparts. This gradual Westernization led to Japan becoming a more modern state and eventually a global power on par with Britain and the United States. However, these changes and the stable transition from the Tokugawa Shogunate to the Meiji Restoration would not have been possible without Emperor Meiji and other government leaders. Meiji Tenno, otherwise known as Mitsuhito (reined 1867-1912) transformed Japan from a feudal state to the great modern nation it is today. Emperor Komei’s second son, he was proclaimed the crown prince in 1860 and he …show more content…

These rebels turned statesmen revolutionized Japan’s government, charting it on a course towards Westernization. After the pro-imperial forces overthrew the Tokugawa Shogunate they proceeded to welcome the West into their country in search of the power and knowledge that they could gain from them. The government of Japan was revitalized and centralized due to the efforts of Emperor Meiji and the rebels-turned-statesmen. The government was organized under the Council of State or dajokan (an ancient name) and six ministries. The Chairman of the Council of State was reformist court noble, Sanjo Sanetomi (1837-1891). The Council had three divisions: Left Chamber which was responsible for legislation, Right Chamber which supervised the ministry, and the Central Chamber which controlled the other two and the Office of Shinto Worship. The Council of State lasted until a cabinet was introduced in

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