To what extent did the social and cultural developments of the Meiji period transform Japan?

Candidates are required to consider the extent to which Japan was transformed as a result of social and cultural developments in the Meiji period. For balance, it is likely that some areas of continuity will also be discussed. For example, some candidates may demonstrate an awareness of dynamic developments in the Tokugawa period in education, the family or urbanization.

Indicative content

• Japan introduced a new Western-based education system for all young people. Thousands of students were sent overseas to study and Westerners arrived in Japan to teach modern subjects such as science and technology. However, the Imperial Rescript on Education 1890, which demanded loyalty to the Emperor, demonstrated that the traditional values of Japanese
  society had not been abandoned.
• In 1873, the samurai were effectively abolished and replaced with a modern western-style army. The samurai lost their right to wear the topknot in 1871 and swords in 1876. The samurai became shizoku and, by 1876, they had lost all government stipends. Although they had lost their samurai status many ex-samurai went on to hold powerful government positions. In
  addition, the army was still held in high regard and, was only accountable to the Emperor, so the importance and prestige of the army had been retained.
• Christianity was allowed in Meiji Japan but Buddhism was attacked. However, Shintoism remained the national faith of most Japanese people.
• There was some discussion of women’s rights and feminism within the Popular Rights Movement. However, the Meiji Constitution still denied women the vote. The Meiji Code of 1898 gave the male head of the family absolute authority and wives could not take legal action against their husbands.
• Meiji Japan saw the adoption of Western dress, leisure activities and social habits. By 1872, Western attire was required for all court functions. There were dance halls and social functions that played Western music and had Western dances, Western customs, such as shaking hands, were adopted. However, by and large, only wealthy Japanese people living in the cities
  experienced these changes.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]