Control Mechanisms
The caste structure was the most important control mechanism, it dealt with social control, freezing mobility, determining all aspects of life and cemented Tokugawa power, without which the Tokugawa system could not have functioned. However, to control society it still required the assistance of other major systems like Sakoku and Sankin-kotai which dealt with external and political control.
Internal Change
The most significant internal cause for the collapse of the Tokugawa regime was the rise of nationalist thinking against the Shogunate. While there were other factors such as the blurring of the caste system, weakness of the Bakufu, economic strain and social unrest it was the rise of nationalism that caused the fall. This is because it was the factor that provided an active challenge to authority, not passive disintegration.
External Change
The most important external force for change in late Tokugawa Japan was the arrival of the American fleet . This ended Japan’s isolation, forced the signings of the unequal treaties and exposed the shogunate’s weakness. While other international influences stirred up some need for reform, it was Perry’s arrival that triggered political crisis and made transformation unavoidable, ultimately causing the collapse of the Tokugawa.
Success of Reforms
Extensive modernisation was achieved in form and function but was limited in its impact across wider society. Japan was transformed into a modern state with an industrialised economy, centralised political authority, modern military and education system - laying the foundations for emergence as a major power.
Educational Change
The educational reforms were successful in laying foundations for modernisation and fostering national unity, despite limitations in other areas such as equality and regional accessibility. The government did not mean for the reforms to promote equality or anything near that, merely to make Japan a global power so the reforms met their aims.
Economic Change
Economic change was primarily enabled by the government through their planning, intervention and regulation. Although, the other factors had a big impact as the Zaibatsu heavily growth and the Tokugawa legacy left a solid starting foundation for industrialisation.
Political Change
Politics in Meiji Japan changed significantly in form with a revolutionary appearance with a constitution and elected assemblies. However, in reality this change was largely superficial, limited and conservative as power shifted from the Shogunate to another oligarchy in the Genro, who maintained elitist dominance under the guise of constitutional reform.
Emperor’s Role
The role of the emperor was mainly symbolic rather than real as true political power was kept by the oligarchs behind the scenes. However, Meiji’s symbolic influence over the people was immense so he still had a big impact on Japan’s destiny.
Nature of Military Change
Military change proved to be fundamental to Japan’s emergence as a modern state. Ending the samurai, conscription and westernisation built a centralised, disciplined force that secured Japan’s independence but also became a driving force for nationalism, industrialisation and international respect.
China Causes
Most significant cause was the importance of Korea, a greatly valuable location which both powers needed to control to have power in the region. Other factors like China’s decline, Japanese ambitions and deterrence also played a key role in firing up tensions.
China Consequences
The most significant consequence was the rise of Japan, who was elevated to the dominant regional power in East Asia. Others were important too in their impact like China’s decline, oppression on Korea and increased Russo-Japanese tensions although none had as far-reaching impacts as Japan’s rise.
Russian Causes
Competing imperialistic ambitions were the primary cause as both East Asian powers sought control over overlapping territories, necessarily inevitably bringing them into conflict. Other factors were still important like strategic tensions, diplomatic reasons, military buildup and Russian instability.
Russian Reasons
The most important reason was the superior Japanese military, tactics and planning. Russian weakness and diplomatic reasons played a factor but neither would have won the war alone, unlike a superior military.
Russian Consequences
The most significant consequence was the rise of Japan, solidifying it as a major global power. Other impacts were the decline of Russia, further opression of Korea and changing global power dynamics but these were not as influential.
Taisho Extent of Power
The Taisho years did not mark the emergence of Japan as a world power but instead marked a transitional stage her to emerge as one in the years to follow.
WW1 Effect
WW1 was profitable for Japan both politically and economically, at a relatively low cost. It made territorial gains, filled gaps in the global economy left by warring countries and sat as one of the ‘big five; at the peace conference. However, these gains were offset by growing international suspicion, internal unrest and long-term challenges.
