Why the Meiji Restoration was successful

Meiji Restoration. The reason for this success was that Japan's feudal rule was relatively weak compared to China, so the strength of the Shogunate faction was able to grow stronger; After the Shogunate grew stronger, they overthrew the corrupt rule of the shogunate and supported Emperor Meiji to carry out reforms.

The reason for the success of the Meiji Restoration.

1. Japan's feudal rule was relatively weak compared to China, so the strength of the Fallen Shogunate faction could grow and develop;

2. After the Shogunate grew stronger, they overthrew the corrupt rule of the shogunate and supported Emperor Meiji to implement reforms.

3. The Meiji Restoration implemented comprehensive and effective measures.

4. It is important to note that the Meiji period in Japan took place in the 60s of the 19th century, when the world in general was still in liberal capitalism.

At that time, the momentum of aggression was not as fierce as it was later, and at that time the capitalist countries were busy invading China and suppressing the resistance of the Chinese people, so objectively provided a relatively relaxed international environment for the Meiji Restoration, so that many things could be operated.

1. Political system.

The core reason for the Meiji Restoration's overnight success was the political system.

The political system of the Edo Shogunate period was the "Shogunate System": the highest authority was the shogun, and the highest authority was the shogunate; More than 260 feudal domains in the country were ruled by daimyos, and they were subject to the shogunate's restrictions on the observance of the "Laws of the Samurai Family", the "Confession System", and the "One Country, One Castle Order", especially the daimyo of the outer daimyo (the daimyo who returned to the Shuntokugawa clan after the Battle of Sekigahara). Despite this, the daimyo had absolute power over the administration, military, taxation, and judiciary within the domain, and remained very independent.

On the other hand, although the shogun held real power, the nominal supreme leader of the country was still the emperor. It can be seen that the shogunate system is not a stable centralized system, and it is the key political foundation for the success of the downfall.

2. Social structure.

The success or failure of a social change is inevitably linked to its leaders and supporters. The Edo shogunate instituted a strict hierarchy of "shinong, merchant, and business": the obligation of the samurai was to serve the country, enjoy the shogunate's benefits, and not engage in production; Peasants engage in agricultural production and pay annual tribute to the state; Artisans and merchants were also collectively referred to as "machito" and provided services to the daily lives of the samurai.

The samurai class was at the top of society and was a decisive force for social change. In 1615, the Tokugawa shogunate promulgated the "Laws of the Samurai", which laid the foundation for the samurai to serve as political rulers and administrators, and stipulated that "the left and the right are martial, and the ancient laws must be combined", laying the groundwork for the samurai class to become the core force of the Meiji Restoration.

3. Cultural thought.

Finally, social ideas under the influence of a country's culture also play an important role in national transformation.

Among the three major policies of the Meiji Restoration, "enriching the country and strengthening the army" means to follow the example of Britain and France to establish a modern standing army, teach Western military technology, and manufacture new equipment; "Colonization and development" means the introduction of advanced technology and equipment from the West, the vigorous development of the capitalist economy, and so on; "Civilization and enlightenment" means the development of modern bourgeois compulsory education, the dissemination of Western social culture and living habits, and so on. Therefore, the Meiji Restoration was essentially an all-round reform centered on "breaking away from Asia and joining Europe", and Japan's humble and studious national character promoted Japan's comprehensive learning from Western countries.