In the 19th century, major world powers began to expand their influence on Asialooking for new markets and new tradable goods. Gradually, foreign ships began to appear in the seas around her Japanwith the aim of establishing commercial relations. It was a prospect which was not considered positive by the Tokugawa Shogunatethe military-feudal regime that had ruled the country since 1603. In 1854, however, powerful American forces already present in the region for a year forced the Shogunate leaders to sign a Treaty of Peace and Friendship by which American ships could sail to the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate.
The treaty, which was in force until 1858, included clauses favoring USA both in terms of customs duties – with the result that successive exports of large quantities of raw silk and tea would lead to domestic shortages and skyrocketing prices – and because of the principle of consular jurisdiction. According to it, foreigners who committed crimes in Japan would be tried by their country’s consular courts rather than by local judges. At the same time, privileges were given to the British and the Dutch.
The previous suspicion towards foreigners gradually turned into antipathy.
The up to then suspicion towards foreigners gradually turned into antipathy, resulting in reactions within the country. Because of Emperor Kōmei’s strong opposition to the Shogunate’s stance, a movement broke out to oust the latter. The shogun (head of government) Ii Naosukealthough he tried to suppress the movement, he was assassinated in 1860. This was a serious blow to the prestige of the Shogunate. Rapid developments followed, with the two sides leading to civil conflict. Soon, however, the presence of foreigners would become particularly felt, as in the two years 1863-64 local powers clashed with Britain and an allied international force.
However, the Japanese did not want their country to turn into a colony. Thus, in 1866, the former rival groups formed a secret alliance.
Tokugawa Yoshinobu peacefully abdicated power to the young Emperor Meiji.
The last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobuby proclamation on November 9, 1867, peacefully ceded power to the young Emperor Meiji, who had ascended the throne earlier that year. In this way, the so-called “Meiji Restoration” officially begins in Japan and the country enters a new era. In January 1868, a decree would be issued to restore imperial rule. Gradually, others – but not all – favored a compromise with Yoshinobu. Many of the hard-liners on both sides did not want to compromise, with the result that the conflicts not only did not stop, but multiplied and intensified. The decisive battle took place at Edo, where Yoshinobu had taken refuge. Eventually, the powerful imperial army besieged the castle where his forces were entrenched, forcing him to unconditionally surrender and guarantee Yoshinobu’s safety.
The Meiji government, with the Charter Oath, formulated its programmatic positions, promising to respect the opinion of citizens and friendly relations with other countries. It also established, modeled on the American Constitution, the separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial). The emperor moved to Edo, which was then renamed Tokyo and became the country’s capital. Japan had now officially entered the Meiji era, during which it emerged as the first modern – by Western standards – state in Asia.
Column editor: Myrto Katsigera, Vassilis Minakakis, Antigoni-Despina Poimenidou, Athanasios Syroplakis
