Meiji+Restoration

=Meiji Restoration=

The Meiji Restoration was the process by which the Emperor regained supreme rule in Japan over the Tokugawa shogun. This process was a response to living conditions in Japan and a result of the direct work of foreign powers including the United States, represented by Commodore Matthew C. Perry.

Social conditions in Japan prior to the Meiji Restoration:


 * Rule of the feudal lords
 * Militarily weak
 * Mainly agricultural economy
 * Sakoku (isolationism). Policy of the Shogun aimed at minimising foreign influence (e.g. Trade and religion) between 1633-1853.

The Convention of Kanagawa (also known as the Treaty of Peace and Amity) was signed on March 31, 1854, opening Japans' ports to foreigners for the first time in over 220 years.

Questions (week 5) //A treaty is a formal agreement that involves two or more parties. They are normally based around peace, commerce or an alliance. Normally both parties benefit from a treaty. - Emily Whyatt// //A treaty is a formal agreement between two or more countries arrived at by negotiation. It is usually to do with peace and is like a contract and should benefit both parties concerned. - Jess Bell// //The convention of Kanagawa has benefited Japan by allowing foreign influences to enter its borders. It has improved technology, changed their culture (which can be seen as a positive and a negative) and provided a sense of freedom as Japan is no longer hiding behind closed doors. More directly, the convention gave power back to the Emperor, ended feudalism (and by doing so caused some major protests) and ended Sakoku (isolationism) in Japan. Generally, the convention of Kanagawa has had a very positive positive influence on Japan in the long run. - Claudia Bates// //The Convention of Kanagawa impacted on Japanese society because Japan was able to see things from new cultures through new friendships and trade. Also, the Emperor gained full power instead of the Shogun being in control. Japan's technology also benefited from the convention because they were behbut other countries showed them new technologies. - Charlotte Bampton// //I think that the convention changed relations with the world outside Japan forever, because now there is a huge social community around the globe, that Japan is a part of. There are also tourism aspects that take place in and around Japan and worldwide companies, landmarks and stories based in Japan. Most/all of which may not exist today without that single trade agreement. - Claire Williams// //Japan became an open country to trade and buy things from. It also signalled the end of feudalism. - Emma Miegel// //The outside world probably wanted stronger ties with Japan due to the agricultural strengths that Japan had at the time and also for trade. - Meg Anderson// //Many outside countries want ties with Japan because of Japan's resources, population, and very importantly, their financial power in the world. America needs Japan on their side as they continue to fall deeper and deeper into debt. - Claire Williams// //The world wanted ties with Japan because there were many new trading products that no one else had ever seen until Matthew C. Perry opened Japan up to trade. The Japanese made silk garments which were very popular for trading as well as some other things that were completely new to the rest of the world. - Jacqui Fisher//
 * **What is a treaty?**
 * **Consider and explain how the Convention of Kanagawa (Treaty of Peace and Amity) has impacted on Japanese society?**
 * **Describe how you think the convention has impacted on relations between Japan and the outside world?**
 * **Consider and discuss why you think the outside world wanted stronger ties with Japan?**