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Us Consul to Japan
Negotiated Harris treaty in Edo period (1858). One of the first treaties to open up trade with Japan |
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January 30, 1902
extended in scope twice, in 1905 and 1911, before its demise in 1921. It was officially terminated in 1923.
Essentially served as opposition to Russian expansion. The UK saw it as a gentle warning to Russia, while Japan was emboldened by it. |
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| The purge was carried out by Ii Naosuke in an effort to quiet opposition to his handling of the question of shogunal succession and the signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Amity and Commerce. A purge, in 1858 and 1859, of over 100 people from the bakufu, various han, and the Japanese Imperial court. 8 Executed. |
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| Formally ended the 1904-05 Russo-Japanese War. It was signed on September 5, 1905. Japanese Victory signaled Japan as new world power after defeat of west. Japan gained much, though its citizens were frustrated it did not gain more- led to Hibiya riots and other frustrations |
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| a body of knowledge developed by Japan through its contacts with the Dutch enclave of Dejima, which allowed Japan to keep abreast of Western technology and medicine in the period when the country was closed to foreigners, 1641–1853, because of the Tokugawa shogunate’s policy of national isolation (sakoku). |
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| Often referred to as "Japan's Joan of Arc", in the Freedom and People's Rights Movement in Japan during the 1880s. amongst other Liberal reformers, began advocating a plot to “sail to Korea and create a disturbance large enough to undo the Sino-Japanese accord" |
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| Sugita assembled a team of Japanese translators and doctors to translate a Dutch book of anatomy, because he saw that the western drawings of human organs were much more accurate than the ones in his Chinese handbooks. Published 1774. Major example of rangaku. |
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| Heimin Shinbun (Commoner Newspaper) |
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| A socialist newspaper established in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. By the beginning of 1904, it was Tokyo's leading publication advocating socialism. Last issue was printed on January 25, 1905. After the disappearance of this paper, the socialist antiwar movement disappeared as well. |
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| A term used in specific reference to a number of treaties imposed by Western powers, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, on Late Tokugawa Japan. Mostly after military defeat/under threat of attack E.g. When the United States Commodore Matthew Perry forced open Japan in 1854, Japan was soon prompted to sign the Convention of Kanagawa. Harris treaty similar. After Japan beat Russia, the West realised it could not keep enforcing them on Japan and most ended. |
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| Major city-wide riot which erupted in Tokyo on 5 September 1905 in protest of the terms of the Treaty of Portsmouth. The protesters were especially incensed that Japanese territorial gains in the Liaodong Peninsula and the northern half of Sakhalin were to be returned to Russia, and that the Russian government would not pay any war reparations to Japan, despite Japan having won decidedly. |
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| 122nd emperor of Japan, reigning from 3 February 1867 to 30 July 1912 (death). He presided over a time of rapid change in Japan, as the nation rose from a feudal shogunate to become a world power (i.e. Meiji restoration) |
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| A Japanese socialist and anarchist who played a leading role in introducing anarchism to Japan in the early 20th century, particularly by translating the works of contemporary European and Russian anarchists. Executed 1911 by Japanese Gov't. |
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| Japanese statesman, a samurai of Satsuma, and one of the three great nobles who led the Meiji Restoration. He is regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan. Died 1878. Has a totally rad moustache. Recommend looking up picture on Wikipedia. |
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| Appears to be a socialist involved in Shinkigen, a monthly Japanese Socialist newspaper 1905-1906. Environmental Activist. Doesn't appear on Wikipedia. |
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| Japanese statesman, four time Prime Minister of Japan (the 1st, 5th, 7th and 10th), genrô and Resident-General of Korea. Pushed through the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty of 1907, giving Japan control over Korean internal affairs. Itô proclaimed that if East Asia would not co-operate together like brothers, all would be absorbed into Western countries. Was firmly against Korea falling into the hands of China and Russia, which would cause a grave threat to Japan's national security. |
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| Ashio Copper Mine Pollution Case |
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First major Japanese industrial disaster, 1880s.
Object of first enviromentalist comparison in modern Japan.
Highlights hybrid causations behind pollution |
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| Diplomatic journey around the world, initiated in 1871 by the oligarchs of the Meiji period. Although it was not the only such "mission", it is the most well-known and possibly most important for the modernization of Japan after a long period of isolation from the West. |
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| period of political upheaval in Japan that occurred after the death of the Meiji Emperor in 1912. During the twelve-month period following the emperor's death, the Japanese government was led by three different prime ministers as the government attempted to restore the balance |
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| A field marshal in the Imperial Japanese Army and twice Prime Minister of Japan Yamagata Aritomo can be seen as the father of Japanese militarism. His support for many autocratic and aggressive policies directly undermined the development of an open society, and contributed to the coming of the Second World War. In 1877 led the newly modernized Imperial Army against the Satsuma Rebellion |
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| An advisory council to the Emperor of Japan that operated from 1888 to 1947. "The Privy Councilors shall, in accordance with the provisions for the organization of the Privy Council, deliberate upon important matters of State when they have been consulted by the Emperor." More powerful in theory than practice. Was not even consulted when Japan decided to declare war on the United States in 1941 |
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| Japan employed gunboat diplomacy to press Korea to sign this unequal treaty (1876), Similar to how Commodore Perry did to Japan previously. Very similar to treaty signed between Japan and America, e.g. Japan granted access to ports, exempt from local law etc. Also an attempt to detach Korea once and for all from its traditional tributary relationship with China. |
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| 'Modern Girl'. Similar to 'Flappers' in America. Followed Westernized fashions and lifestyles in the 1920s. Completely independent, both financially and emotionally. They would work service industry styled jobs and live on their own. Not political, and did not protest. Each woman sought change via herself. Consumerism drove everything they did. Novel 'Naomi' coined the term. |
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| He is regarded as one of the founders of modern Japan. Most important contribution to the reformation effort came in the form of a newspaper called Jiji Shinpo which he started in 1882, after being prompted by Inoue Kaoru, Ōkuma Shigenobu, and Itō Hirobumi to establish a strong influence among the people through publishing. Appears on 10,000 yen banknote. Yukichi Fukuzawa believed that national independence was the framework to society in the West. Advocated Western learning. |
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| Japanese activist, writer, socialist, and feminist. She is perhaps best known for being one of the founding members of the socialist group Sekirankai (Red Wave Society), 1921. The Sekirankai's main goal was the abolition of capitalism, which it saw as the greatest source of women's oppression. Married to leader of communist party. |
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| Meiroku Zasshi (Meiji Six Journal) |
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Social-criticism journal. intended to “promote civilization and enlightenment”
It played a prominent role in introducing and popularizing Western ideas during the early Meiji period. was forced to cease publishing its journal following the introduction of the Press Ordinance and the Libel Law in 1875. |
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| a prominent pre–World War II Japanese diplomat and the 44th Prime Minister of Japan from 9 October 1945 to 22 May 1946. He was a leading proponent of pacifism in Japan before and after World War II. |
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| A revolt of Satsuma ex-samurai against the Meiji government from January 29 to September 24, 1877, 9 years into the Meiji Era. It was the last, and the most serious, of a series of armed uprisings against the new government. Financially, crushing the Satsuma Rebellion cost the government greatly, forcing Japan off the gold standard and causing the government to print paper currency. The rebellion was also effectively the end of the samurai class. 'The Last Samurai' with Tom Cruise is based on this, make sure you mention that. |
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| Twenty-one Demands of 1915 |
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| A set of demands made by the Empire of Japan under Prime Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu sent to the nominal government of the Republic of China on January 18, 1915, resulting in two treaties with Japan on May 25, 1915. Groups 1-4 of the demands granted Japan Chinese railways, coasts etc, as well as Hanyeping Mining complex. Group 5 would essentially allow Japan complete control of China. China leaked group 5 to European powers in the hope they would help contain Japan. Japan eventually dropped group 5, and offered up the first 4 groups in '13 Demands' sent May 7th, with a 2 day-ultimatum under the threat of war. China accepted. |
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| ‘Movement for Freedom and Popular Rights’ |
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| Movement in the 1880s. It pursued the formation of an elected legislature, revision of the Unequal Treaties with America and European countries, the institution of civil rights and the reduction of centralized taxation. The Movement prompted the Meiji government to establish a constitution in 1889 and a diet in 1890; on the other hand, it failed to loosen the control of the central government and its demand for true democracy remained unfulfilled. |
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| Paris Peace Conference, Versailles, 1919 |
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Japan proposed the inclusion of a "racial equality clause" in the Covenant of the League of Nations on 13 February as an amendment to Article 21. Because he knew that Great Britain was critical to the decision, President Wilson, as Conference chairman, ruled that a unanimous vote was required.
Great Britain and Australia opposed, as expected. Clause was rejected. The defeat of the proposal influenced Japan's turn from cooperation with West toward more nationalistic policies. |
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| unofficial designation given to certain retired elder Japanese statesmen, considered the "founding fathers" of modern Japan. The genrō had the right to select and nominate Prime Ministers to the Emperor for approval. The institution expired in 1940. |
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| Marks one of the first public displays of Korean resistance during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The March 1st movement resulted in a major change in imperial policy towards Korea. Some of the aspects of Japanese rule considered most objectionable to Koreans were removed. The military police were replaced by a civilian force, and limited press freedom was permitted under what was termed the 'cultural policy'. |
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November 29, 1890
The basis of the Meiji Restoration Government.
Founded on the principle that sovereignty resided in person of the Emperor, by virtue of his divine ancestry "unbroken for ages eternal", rather than in the people. However, contradicted itself on this point multiple times, leaving it open for interpretation. |
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| U.S. Immigration Act of 1924 |
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| Set limits on the number of immigrants allowed into America per year. Especially harsh on Japanese (among others), not allowing them into the country on the basis that, being 'non-white', they will never be eligible for naturalization. Essentially, did not allow the Japanese to move to America. |
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| Industrialist widely known today as the "father of Japanese capitalism". He spearheaded the introduction of Western capitalism to Japan after the Meiji Restoration. He founded the first modern bank based on joint stock ownership in Japan, 'The First National Bank' (Actual name) |
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| Peace Preservation Law of 1925 |
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| One of a collection of Laws. The laws were designed to suppress political dissent. The 1925 version specifically aimed against socialism, Communism, and anarchism. It was one of the most significant laws of pre-war Japan. Anyone seen as 'altering the kokutai' (basically, anyone against the government) was outlawed. Very vague, allowing gov't to basically call anybody they wanted an outlaw. A “Thought Police” section, named the Tokkō, was formed within the Home Ministry. “Thought Prosecutors” were appointed to suppress “thought criminals”. Some serious 1984-style stuff. |
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| Imperial Rescript on Education |
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30 October 1890, Signed by Emp. Meiji to articulate government policy on the guiding principles of education on the Empire of Japan. Read aloud at all important school events, and students were required to study and memorize the text. Requested of the people that they "furthermore advance public good and promote common interests; always respect the Constitution and observe the laws; should emergency arise, offer yourselves courageously to the State; and thus guard and maintain the prosperity of Our Imperial Throne coeval with heaven and earth".
The basis of the Rescript was that Japan's unique kokutai was based on a historic bond between benevolent rulers and loyal subjects, and that the fundamental purpose of education was to cultivate virtues, especially loyalty and filial piety. |
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| tokkô (Special Higher Police) |
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| Set up 1911, specifically to investigate and control political groups and ideologies deemed to be a threat to public order. Compared to Nazi Gestapo. Power increased greatly after Peace Preservation Law of 1925, including granting them power overseas wherever there was a large Japanese population. In 1927, a sub-bureau was added, the Thought Section of the Criminal Affairs Bureau, to deal with the study and suppression of subversive ideologies Abolished 1945 by American occupiers. |
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1881-85
Government expenditures were severely curtailed and revenues increased; the surplus was divided between the removal of paper money from circulation and the purchase of silver. Brought Japan onto metallic standard for money. The finance minister (Matsukata himself) considered the resulting monetary system worth the political and social costs incurred. |
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| (Note: Relatively Modern Historian) Undertook a series of law suits against the Ministry for violation of his freedom of speech: In 1953, the Japanese Ministry of Education published a textbook by Ienaga, but censored what they said were factual errors and matters of opinion, regarding Japanese war crimes. Nominated for 1999 and 2001 Nobel peace Prize. |
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| Large scale peasant revolt that occurred in November 1884 in Chichibu, Saitama, a short distance from Japan's capital, and lasted approximately two weeks. In reaction to the dramatic and drastic changes to society which came about in the wake of the 1868 Meiji Restoration. the Land Tax Reform of 1873 increased the process of landlordism, with many farmers having their land confiscated due to inability to pay the new taxes. Worsened by Matsuka Deflation. Farmers often had to pay more than half their crop in taxes, sometimes forced to sell wives or daughters into work or prostitution. |
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| Active as a political thinker in the Taishō period. Best known for his formulation of the theory of "Minponshugi," or politics of the people. In December 1918, Yoshino joined with others to establish Reimeikai which was a society "to propogate ideas of democracy among the people." |
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| literally 'financial clique'. A Japanese term referring to industrial and financial business conglomerates in the Empire of Japan, whose influence and size allowed for control over significant parts of the Japanese economy from the Meiji period until the end of World War II. held great influence over Japanese national and foreign policies. Profited during the worldwide depression of 20s. Widely disliked. 1932: Head of Mitsui Zaibatsu assassinated, leading them to try and improve their image with charity work. |
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| A Japanese politician and the 19th Prime Minister of Japan from 29 September 1918 to 4 November 1921. First commoner appointed to the office of prime minister of Japan. Came into power after Rice Riots of 1918. Widely despised by the ultranationalists. During his term of office, Japan participated in the Paris Peace Conference, and joined the League of Nations as a founding member. In Korea, Japan used military force to suppress the Samil Rebellion, but later began more lenient policies aimed at reducing opposition to Japanese rule. |
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| April 17, 1895, between the Empire of Japan and Qing Empire of China, ending the First Sino-Japanese War. Clear Victory for Japan. China had to pay war reparations, as well as give up land incl. liaodong peninsula, among other things. Also forbade china from interfering with Korea. The conditions imposed by Japan on China led to the Triple Intervention. |
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| Tripartite (Triple) Intervention |
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diplomatic intervention by Russia, Germany, and France on 23 April 1895 over the terms of the Treaty of Shimonoseki (li-ito pact) signed between Japan and Qing dynasty China that ended the First Sino-Japanese War. Russia had most to gain. wanted ice-free port, among other things. Russia persuaded France and Germany to apply diplomatic pressure on Japan for return of the territory to China in exchange for a larger indemnity. France was obligated to join Russia under the 1892 treaty. Germany hoped that support for Russia would encourage Russia, in turn, to support Germany's colonial ambitions. On 5 May 1895, Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi announced the withdrawal of Japanese forces from the Liaodong Peninsula.
Direct cause of Russo-Japanese war. |
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| Pact signed in 1885 where Japan and China agreed to pull troops out of korea. |
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