The Tokugawa Period lasted between 1603 and 1867 (Yanemoto). It was founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it was also called the Edo period. The Tokugawa period was characterized by political stability, internal peace, and economic growth. The people were led under military dictatorship. During this time, the Japanese society experienced some changes. Some of the transformation include educational expansion, commercialization and economic growth among others.
The social order in the society was totally frozen. The society was divided into four classes: Samurai class, Farmers/Peasants, Artisans, and Merchants. Peasants were concerned with food production through farming. Artisans used their crafts to develop non-food items. Merchants were seen as parasites as they amassed wealth. The Samurais, who were at the top of the social class, took residence in capital cities where they became bureaucrats (Watkin). The hierarchical division between the social classes was strictly maintained. Mobility from one class to another was highly prohibited.
Urban development was experienced during this time. Ieyasu created a system where retainers were expected to stay in the castle towns instead of the domains (Yanemoto). The castle towns later sprung up. Building these towns into cities required labor, equipment and other imported resources. The laborers started settling in the cities as they facilitated the development. As a result, urban cities like Edo and Kyoto came up.
Peasant rebellions increased during this time. They were forbidden from taking part in non-agricultural activities. In times of crop failure due to food shortage, they were not given any relief. Those in higher classes and authority continued to have a stable income and continuous supply of food. These conditions enraged the peasants hence the numerous rebellions.
The education sector also improved during this period. School infrastructure significantly improved. In this case, learning was moved from private and religious establishments to more accessible areas (Yanemoto). As a result, commoner children could also get educated. Fiction and poetry became popular as an increasing number of publishers emerged.
Commercialization was also experienced during this time. The urban development resulted in the expansion of the manufacturing industry and commercialization. More industries developed and production of paper, silk, porcelain and cotton fabrics among others became popular. Improved commercialization also led to the rise of powerful financiers to offer credit, exchange brokers became many, and the use of currency widened through the territory
The Meiji Restoration deserves to be called revolutionary. The revolution is depicted through the various economic, social and political changes. It resulted in significant changes that significantly changed the history of the Japanese society. In essence, it contributed to the development and westernization of Japan. The revolution opened the eyes of Japan to development and a better life.
The government changed significantly. Centralized administrative institutions were established. The emperor became the central ruler through a centralized bureaucracy. Local governments were also created as arms of the government. Some of the privileges experienced enjoyed by the Samurai, and the Daimyo were stripped. The new administration also established a new tax system.
Under the Meiji Restoration, Japan was opened to the Western world. The trade discourse between Japan and the Western world was re-established. Eventually, this led to an improved industrialization in the country. Opening to the western world also enhanced the technology in the country. With the ideas and challenge from the western world, Japan made a point of improving technology in the country.
The country experienced improved economic development. Leaders in the Meiji Era were mainly focused on improving the economic development of the country. They started by financing the budget of the national government. They also got rid of the stipends given to Samurais in a bid to save income. The Meiji government started a program for the government industry to start producing specifying products and services. These processes were meant to improve the economic development of the country.
Education is one of the vital sectors that experienced a revolution. The government at that time recognized the importance of having universal education. In 1906, school attendance was 95 percent (“Education during the Meiji Restoration, Japan"). In essence, this revolution contributed to the enlightenment of people on the importance of education. Primary education became compulsory. The government built more universities and technical institutions that improved education. The Revolution made a significant impact as today; Japan takes pride in having the highest literacy levels in the world.
Works Cited
"Cultural Life during the Meiji Restoration, Japan | Education during the Meiji Restoration, Japan". Virtualmuseum.Ca, 1999, http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitLo.do?method=preview&lang=EN&id=12991.
Watkin, Thayer. "Meiji Restoration/Revolution in Japan". Sjsu.Edu, 2017, http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/meiji.htm.
