Questions tagged [meiji-restoration]

Questions relating to the events in Japan during in the late 1860s which led to the restoration of imperial rule with the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This ushered in the Meiji period (approximately 1868-1912) of Japanese history.

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What was Higo domain's relevance with respect to the Meiji Restoration and later (internal) politics?

Normally, when the Meiji Restoration is considered, the "victors" are listed as Satsuma, Chōshū, and Tosa. This materialised in Satsuma and Choshu leading Imperial Japan's Army while Satsuma and Tosa ...
gktscrk's user avatar
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34 votes
2 answers
5k views

Why did Meiji government consider switching from Japanese to English?

During the Meiji restoration, the Meiji govenment sought to switch Japan's national language from Japanese to English. Who and why advocated that? Ultimately, why was it unsuccessful? Source: ...
Sardathrion - against SE abuse's user avatar
27 votes
3 answers
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When and why was the samurai class abolished?

I am aware the Emperor Meiji abolished the Samurai class during the reformation. Why did he do so? How was it enforced?
Sardathrion - against SE abuse's user avatar
13 votes
2 answers
2k views

What became of the last samurai?

During the Meiji Restoration, the previously powerful samurai class was abolished. What did all the former samurai become? I have heard often that many former samurai joined the new conscription army ...
congusbongus's user avatar
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