Meiji Restoration
In what year did the Meiji Restoration begin?
1868
Japan modeled its new government after which European country’s political system?
Germany (Prussia)
He was the emperor who symbolized Japan’s modernization.
The Emperor
The arrival of this American commodore in 1853 pressured Japan to open its ports.
Commodore Matthew Perry
Many Japanese moved from rural areas to cities because of this process.
Industrialization
The Meiji Restoration restored political power to this young emperor.
Emperor Meiji.
The Meiji government introduced this requirement for all boys and girls to attend school.
Mandatory public education
This group of warriors lost their swords, stipends, and status during reforms.
The Samori
Japan studied Western technology to modernize its army and navy. Name one country they learned from.
A: Britain (navy) or Germany (army)
This new invention allowed news to spread quickly across Japan.
The telegraph or newspapers.
The Meiji Restoration ended this long period of military rule.
The Tokugawa Shogunate
This major reform abolished the samurai class’s special privileges.
The end of the class system / abolition of samurai status
He led the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, fighting against modernization.
Saigō Takamori
Japan sent students and officials abroad to learn Western ideas during this mission.
A: The Iwakura Mission
Traditional hairstyles and clothing began to change. What hairstyle did men adopt?
Short hair / Western-style haircuts
This city became the new capital of Japan during the Meiji era.
Tokyo
Japan built its first railway in 1872 between Tokyo and this port city.
Yokohama
These two domains (regions) played a major role in overthrowing the shogunate.
Satsuma and Chōshū
Western-style clothing became popular among government officials. What was one example?
A: Suits, hats, military uniforms, etc.
Factories often hired this group of workers because they were cheap labor.
Young women
The slogan “Fukoku Kyōhei” guided Meiji leaders. What does it mean?
“Rich country, strong military”
The Meiji Constitution created a two‑house national assembly called what?
The Diet
This group of advisors helped guide the emperor and shape reforms.
The Meiji oligarchs
Japan renegotiated these unfair agreements with Western powers by the early 1900s.
Unequal Treaties
The Meiji era saw major improvements in transportation. Name one new form of transport.
Railways, steamships, streetcars