Fukoku Kyohei

• Japan must learn from the West,

• Japan must Adapt to a Western-dominated world,

• By learning and adapting, Japan can become modern,

• By becoming modern they can become rich,

• By becoming rich they can build a strong army,

• With a strong army they can become truly independent

Fukoku Kyohei!

... Meiji Restoration:

Rapid Westernization / modernization

Japan launches wholesale Westernization drive

Wholesale rejection of all things Japanese

Even Japanese art takes on a strictly modern tone

... Meiji Restoration:

Rapid Westernization / modernization

Abolish Caste Structure

Japan launches wholesale Westernization drive Wholesale rejection of all things Japanese

Even Japanese art takes on a strictly modern tone

• Strip Daimyo of Han and special privilege

• Compensate Daimyo for lost land with cash

Abolish Samurai class and privileges

• Adopt conscript army of commoners

• Forbid wearing of swords

• Assign many former samurai as government officials

.... Reactions to Westernization