Introduction to the Meiji Oligarchy
– The Meiji oligarchy was the ruling class of Meiji period Japan.
– They were adherents of kokugaku and believed they were creating a new order.
– Ōkubo Toshimichi and Saigō Takamori were major figures in this group.
– Kido Koin, Iwakura Tomomi, and Ōkuma Shigenobu were also prominent members.
– They aimed to establish constitutional government and modernize Japan.
Economic and Social Reforms
– The Meiji oligarchy abolished the four divisions of society.
– They implemented economic reforms to develop infrastructure and provide revenue.
– The government financed harbor improvements, schools, railways, and diplomatic missions.
– Agrarian rioting and social abuses led to calls for social reforms.
– The old class system of samurai, farmer, artisan, and merchant was abolished.
Changes in Social Status
– Former daimyō became peerage nobility, samurai became gentry, and others became commoners.
– Samurai lost their exclusive claim to military positions.
– Former samurai found new occupations as bureaucrats, teachers, army officers, etc.
– The government paid off daimyō and samurai pensions.
– The new social divisions helped perpetuate social distinctions.
Challenges to the Meiji Government
– The 1873 Korean crisis led to the resignation of Saigō and Etō Shimpei.
– Etō conspired to start an armed insurrection in Saga in 1874.
– The Satsuma Rebellion in 1877 posed a serious challenge to the Meiji government.
– Saigō raised the rebellion in protest to the Meiji reforms.
– The government forces eventually defeated the rebellion.
Impact and Aftermath
– The Satsuma Rebellion marked the end of serious threats to the Meiji regime.
– The fight drained the national treasury and led to inflation.
– Land values and taxes were negatively affected.
– The suppression of the rebellion renewed calls for reform.
– Saigō became a heroic figure in Japanese history despite his defeat. Source URL:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meiji_oligarchy
