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Text | Xi Zhi Xu A
Editor|Xizhi Xu A
Preface:
The end of the Makumatsu period was an extremely important period in Japanese history, full of stories of change and struggle, which had a profound impact on Japan's modernization process. During this period, the decline of the shogunate regime, the involvement of foreign powers, and the rise of the ideology of honoring the king and destroying the emperor combined to shape a turbulent backdrop of the times. Political strife, civil strife and social unrest became the main themes of the late Shogunate period, and at the same time, this period also gave birth to many heroes and social trends.
This thesis aims to explore the changes and struggles of the end of the Makujin period in order to reveal the importance and complexity of this period. We will review the historical background of the end of the shogunate, including the decline of the shogunate regime, the intervention of foreign powers, and the rise of the idea of honoring the king, in order to understand the great challenges facing society at that time and the need for change. We will also discuss in detail the major events and figures of the late shogunate period, such as the arrival of the black ship, the alliances of the various domains, the confrontation between the shogunate and the imperial court, and the activities of famous figures such as Sakamoto Ryoma and Ii Naohiro. By studying these events and characters, we can better understand the political struggles, social changes, and cultural trends of the late Shogunate period.
The changes and struggles of the late Makujin period were not just a record of historical events, they had a profound impact on Japan's modernization process. It laid the foundation for modern Japan and paved the way for the arrival of the Meiji Restoration. Through the study of the late Makujin period, we can better understand the development and evolution of Japanese society, as well as the many characteristics and problems of modern Japan.
Historical background of the end of the Makumaku period
The end of the Makumatsu period refers to a period in Japanese history from 1853 to 1868, which is considered a turning point in Japan's modernization. The historical background of the end of the shogunate period is very complex, including the decline of the shogunate regime, the intervention of foreign powers, and the rise of the idea of honoring the king.
First of all, the historical background of the end of the shogunate period can be traced back to the decline of the shogunate regime. The Edo shogunate was established in the early 17th century, beginning a two-century reign. However, over time, the corruption of the shogunate and increased internal and external pressures made its rule increasingly unstable. Bureaucratic rigidity, financial difficulties, and social inequality gradually surfaced, leading to the decline of the shogunate regime.
Second, the involvement of foreign powers was also an important part of the historical background of the late Makujin period. In 1853, a black ship led by U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Japan and forced Japan to open up foreign trade by means of force and deterrence. This marked the end of Japan's long-standing isolationist policy and caused a great shock in Japanese society. Other Western powers also engaged in diplomatic contacts and trade with Japan, further exacerbating social unrest in Japan.
Most importantly, the end of the shogunate witnessed the rise of the idea of honoring the king. As the threat from foreign powers deepened, some Japanese intellectuals began to advocate the idea of restoring the authority of the emperor and expelling foreign powers, which became known as the Emperor Shoki. This idea gradually spread during the end of the Shogunate period and became an important issue in various domains. Some lords and samurai groups began to favor the idea of the king, which led to alliances and political strife between the clans.
The main events and characters of change and struggle
During the changes and struggles of the late Makujin period, many important events and figures emerged, which had a profound impact on Japanese history.
Black Ship Arrives (1853) Four warships led by U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Kurihama, Japan, forcing the shogunate to open up foreign trade. This event shocked the shogunate regime, sparked fierce debate at home and abroad, and also accelerated the shogunate's decline and calls for change.
Choshu, Satsuma, Tosa, and Saga (1866) The alliance of clan lords under the leadership of Sakamoto Ryoma, Nishi Takamori Nishiki, Okada Izo, and Okubo Litsu aimed to overthrow the shogunate and modernize the country. The formation of this alliance was of great historical significance, paving the way for the end of the shogunate and the arrival of the Meiji Restoration.
Katsura Kogoro Coup (1867) Katsura Kogoro was an important shogunate within the shogunate who tried to overthrow the shogunate and strengthen the imperial court through a coup d'état. Although the coup failed in the end, it showed the divisions within the shogunate and the fragility of the shogunate regime at the end of the shogunate.
Sakamoto Ryoma was one of the important figures of the late Makumoto period, he was a famous aspirant and politician. He advocated respecting the king and actively promoting the modernization of the country. His activities and influence made him an important symbol of the late Maku period, making important contributions to the transformation and struggle in Japan.
Ii Naohiro was an important politician and shogunate elder during the late shogunate period. He held several important positions, including the Kyoto garrison and the elder position. Ii Naohiro tried to stabilize the shogunate regime by tough means and carried out a series of reforms. However, his hardline policies and modernization measures provoked a backlash that eventually led to his assassination.
Political strife and civil unrest
The Ansei Battle was an important struggle in Japanese politics at the end of the Makumaku period, taking place between 1853 and 1858. This struggle, which mainly involved factional struggles within the shogunate and the rise of the idea of honoring the king, played an important role in the political landscape and changes in the late shogunate period.
Background: The background of the Ansei Battle dates back to 1853, when black ships led by U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Japan, forcing the shogunate to open up foreign trade. The incident caused divisions and controversy within the shogunate, especially over how to deal with foreign powers.
Factional opposition: In the Anzheng controversy, two main factions were formed, namely the conservative faction (or Anzheng faction) and the rebel faction (or respectful faction).
Conservatives advocated peaceful cooperation with foreign powers and maintaining the stability of the shogunate through the establishment of diplomatic relations and economic exchanges with Western powers. They believed that learning Western culture and technology, carrying out internal reforms was necessary in order to engage with foreign countries.
The Backlash advocated respecting the authority of the Emperor, overthrowing the shogunate, expelling foreign powers, and restoring Japan's independence and dignity. They stressed the importance of traditional Japanese values and emphasized opposition to armed resistance by foreign powers.
Important Events: Important events occurred during the Battle of Anzheng, which intensified the rivalry and fighting between factions. The most notable of these was the Anzheng five-year coup d'état (1858), also known as the forbidden coup. The coup was an attempt by the Backlash to seize power, which sought to overthrow the shogunate by attacking the shogunate headquarters in Kyoto. However, the coup failed, and the leader of the rebel faction, Sakamoto Ryoma, and others were arrested or went into exile.
The decisive battle and the end of the end of the Shogunate
The Southwest War was an important war in the late Makujin period, which took place in 1877, also known as the Battle of the Southwest or the Southwest Rebellion. The war mainly involved a conflict between the Choshu Domain (present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture) and the Japanese government. The following is a detailed description of the Southwest War and the victory of the Choshu Domain:
Background: The Southwest War dates back to the Japanese political landscape after the Meiji Restoration. With the fall of the shogunate and the establishment of a new regime, the Japanese government tried to consolidate centralized power and unify the country. However, some daimyo were skeptical of the new regime's reform measures, notably the Choshu Domain.
Rebellion of the Choshu Domain: The Choshu Domain was one of the most influential clans of the Choshu Domain, and they actively participated in the political turmoil at the end of the Shogunate under the leadership of the Shogunate. However, after the Meiji Restoration, the Choshu clan was dissatisfied with the reform measures of the new regime, especially against the abolition of the domain's (privileges). The Choshu clan decided to take armed resistance to protect their rights and interests.
The Southwest War broke out in 1877, and the lord of the Choshu Domain, Yamagata Aritomo, rebelled. The army of the Choshu Domain fought fiercely with the Japanese government army, and although the Choshu Domain army was relatively small in number, their combat effectiveness and organizational skills were excellent.
Choshu Domain's Tactics: The Choshu Domain adopted a series of tactics against the Japanese government forces. They used the terrain and castles for defense, and used new weapons such as rifles and artillery fire to engage in fierce battles with Japanese government forces. In addition, the Choshu clan also relied on their excellent commanders and highly motivated warriors to gain an advantage.
Victory of the Choshu Domain: Although the Choshu Domain faced numerical disadvantages in Japanese government forces, they performed well in battle, achieving a series of victories. However, due to the increase in the strength of the Japanese government army and the decrease of the army of the Choshu Domain, the Choshu Domain was eventually unable to continue to resist.
The Meiji Restoration was a major change in Japan at the end of the shogunate, marking the end of the shogunate and the establishment of modern Japan.
At the end of the shogunate, Japan faced pressure from foreign countries, especially aggression from Western powers, and demands for open trade. The incompetence and corruption of the shogunate regime caused discontent and criticism at home and abroad. In addition, the idea of honoring the emperor gradually arose in society, calling for the restoration of the emperor's authority and the expulsion of foreign powers.
The promoters of the Meiji Restoration were mainly aspirants, politicians, and daimyos. These include Okubo Litsu, Sakamoto Ryoma, Kido Takayo, Iwakura Goki, Nishishu, and others. They worked to reform Japan's political, economic and social system so that Japan could achieve greater independence and development on the international stage.
During the Meiji Restoration, the shogunate gradually declined. The shogunate was unable to cope with foreign pressure and internal unrest. In 1868, the power of the Shogunate grew, and the shogunate had to submit to the new regime, marking the end of the shogunate.
Sakamoto Ryoma was an important politician and activist in the late shogunate period, who put forward the slogan "Great Politics Return" and advocated the return of power to the emperor. In 1868, the daisei was also realized, and power was returned to Emperor Meiji, officially ending the rule of the shogunate regime.
With the advancement of the Meiji Restoration, Japan began a series of modernization reforms. This includes the promulgation of a new constitution, the establishment of a centralized government, military and educational reforms, and economic policies to promote industrialization and modernization.
The Meiji Restoration had a profound impact on Japan. It laid the foundation for Japan's modernization and made Japan a strong country. The Meiji Restoration also broke the feudal system of the shogunate era and gave the people more freedom and power. In addition, the Meiji Restoration accelerated Japan's industrial progress.
conclusion
At the end of the shogunate, the Meiji Restoration marked the end of the shogunate and a turning point in Japanese history. Through the Meiji Restoration, Japan achieved the return of power to the emperor, established a modern centralized government, and carried out a wide range of reforms and modernization. The end of the shogunate not only changed the political system, but also brought about great economic, social and cultural changes in Japan. The Meiji Restoration ushered in a new era that made Japan a modern, powerful nation and laid the foundation for nation-building and rise that followed.
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