Japanese Empire Facts & Worksheets

• The Meiji Constitution was drafted in 1881 and promulgated eight years later. The constitution defines the Emperor's and all Japanese citizens' roles and responsibilities. 
• However, in order to bridge the gap between the past and the present, the Meiji Constitution's authors preserved the imperial system.
• The Meiji Restoration and modernisation transformed Japan from a feudal to an industrialised nation, affecting other nations. Japan's change during this time secured its sovereignty and made it a global power. The Japanese leaders' determination and intelligence during the Meiji Restoration led to a remarkable period of reinvention and advancement.

Eras of the Japanese Empire

The Meiji Restoration led to a succession of distinct historical periods in Japan, each marked by different social, political, and cultural advancements. The Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa eras reflect the changing identity and international influence of the Japanese Empire.

Meiji Era: 1868–1912

• The Meiji era began on 23 October 1868 and ended on 30 July 1912. The era encompasses the first half of the Empire of Japan. The most notable event was the Japanese people's transformation from an isolated feudal state-society to an industrialised nation-state.
• Since the Japanese adopted revolutionary new ideas, many aspects of Japanese society have changed dramatically, including the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations.
• Because of the abolition of feudalism, people were free to choose their occupations, creating a new environment of political and financial security. The government was in a position to invest in new industries and technologies.
• In Japan, government investments built railways and shipping lines. Telegraph and telephone networks also appeared. Many other products were produced, but the high cost of the investments put a strain on the government's finances. The newly constructed industries were sold to private investors in 1880. The newly established national education system established an elected legislature known as the Diet. This was done to achieve national growth, Western respect, and support for the modern state.
• By the end of the Meiji period, almost everyone had completed at least six years of free public schooling. The government ensured that "moral training" was included in the curriculum of schools, teaching children about their responsibilities to the emperor, the country, and their families.
• The emperor "gave" the people the 1889 constitution, and only he (or his advisers) could amend it. Beginning in 1890, a parliament was elected, although only the wealthiest of the population could vote. This was later amended in 1925 to allow all men (but not yet women) to vote.
• To gain Western legitimacy and persuade them to reverse the unequal treaties that the Japanese were forced to sign in the 1850s, Japan overhauled its whole legal system, adopting a new criminal and civil code fashioned after those of France and Germany. In 1894, the Western powers agreed to modify the treaties, recognising Japan as an equal in concept but not an international power.
• The First Sino-Japanese War, which took place between 1894 and 1895, was a significant event for Japan's emergence as a major world power. The war was fought between the Qing Dynasty of China and the Empire of Japan over influence and control of Korea. Japan's victory in the war marked the first time a modern East Asian nation had defeated a major European power. This not only demonstrated Japan's military strength but also signified its arrival as a formidable force in international affairs.
• Following the First Sino-Japanese War, the Boxer Rebellion erupted in 1899 in response to foreign influence and presence in China. The rebellion was led by a secret society known as the Boxers, who sought to rid China of foreign powers and their influence. 
• Japan, alongside other Western nations, sent military forces to quell the rebellion and protect their interests in China. Japan's participation in this multinational effort further established its role as a regional power with interests beyond its own borders, particularly in the Korean peninsula.
• The Russo-Japanese War, which occurred between 1904 and 1905, was another significant conflict that further strengthened Japan's status as a global power. The war was primarily fought over rival territorial ambitions in East Asia, particularly on the Korean peninsula and Manchuria. Japan's decisive victory over the Russian Empire in this war demonstrated not only its military capabilities but also its strategic interests in Korea and the broader East Asian region.
• These significant events, such as the Meiji Restoration, Boxer Rebellion, and Russo-Japanese War, highlight Japan's transition from a feudal society to a major player in global geopolitics. During this period, Japan's keen interest in the Korean peninsula and its assertive actions exemplified its ambitions to establish itself as a dominant force in East Asia.
• The Meiji reforms brought about changes not only within Japan but also in the country's international relations. Japan was successful in retaining sovereignty, allowing them to oppose Western invaders while still expanding their colonising might. Japanese residents seeking greater social liberties embraced the post-Meiji period. This ushered in Japanese culture and a political system based on democracy.

Taishō Era: 1912–1926

• The Taishō Era began on 30 July 1912 and ended on 25 December 1926. Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan continued its modernisation efforts, focusing on internal reforms while also establishing itself as a key player on the international stage.
• During World War I, Japan, as part of the Allied Powers, primarily focused its efforts on the Asian and Pacific theatres. Japanese forces played a significant role in the successful siege of the German-controlled port of Tsingtao in China and also conducted naval operations against German colonies in the Pacific, seizing territories such as the Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands.
• Following the end of the war, Japan faced challenges as it sought to expand its influence in the wake of the Russian Revolution. The country saw an opportunity to extend its territorial gains in the Far East and became involved in the Russian Civil War by supporting anti-Bolshevik forces in Siberia and the Russian Far East.
• This intervention allowed Japan to establish control over territories such as the southern part of Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Islands. However, Japan's involvement in the Russian Civil War also led to strained relations with the emerging Soviet Union.