The Meiji Restoration of Japan

Japan's Isolation
-Japan was an isolated country before the 1850s. It is made up of many tiny islands which is called an archipelago.The Japanese prided themselves as the superior race, so they decided to cut off their country from the rest of world to avoid conflicts and wars. They didn't trade with anyone but themselves. This method of isolation worked at some points but the negatives were that the rest of the world were advancing economically and with technology.

Matthew Perry and the Meji Restoration
- Matthew Perry was an an American who traveled to Japan with a fleet of ships. He saw Japan's isolationism as an advantage to threaten them. The Japanese were impressed by the American's ships because they had never before seen a steamed ship or metal weapons. Matthew Perry "bullied" Emperor Mutsushito to sign a treaty and adopt the Western ways by the display of technology. On March 31, 1854 the treaty was signed that stated that the Japanese would open to forts to the United States.

- The Meiji Era was dark time for the Japanese. Japan was not part of the Industrial Revolution , so their economy was very weak compared to the rest of the world. They did not have the proper technology to strengthen their army. The new emperor tried to modernize Japan but instead Japan suffered greatly. Instead of reconstructing Japan's society it led to more damage. Many markets suffered bankruptcy, because the U.S and Europe were able to produce more goods at faster speed.

- Japan modernized and industrialized by first getting rid of the old feudal system. Those who were educated went to study abroad and learned many new things about the West. The Japanese decided to keep trading with the US and other countries which helped rebuild their broken economy. They developed communication and transportation systems. Their army improved greatly with Japan's new technology. The end of the Meiji Restoration Japan became a new and better country.