1. 1600-1868: Tokugawa Shôguns
1.1. feudal political order with economic and social change occurring in a gradual manner
1.2. this period saw growing urbanization, the spread of popular education and the rise of the merchant class
2. 1890-1945: Imperial Japan
2.1. constitutional policy with the emperor as reigning monarch;
2.2. Industrialization
2.3. Urbanization
2.4. Increasingly mobile society
2.4.1. drive for international status and world power, including imperialism in Asia and finally war with the United States
3. 1868 - 1912: Meiji Restoration
3.1. 15 y/o emperor meiji takes over
3.2. rapid modernization and dramatic change of political, social, and economic institutions;
3.3. meeting the challenge of the West by following its model.
3.4. in an effort to unite the Japanese nation in response to the Western challenge, the Meiji leaders created a civic ideology centered around the emperor.
3.5. 1889: The Constitution
3.5.1. The 1889 constitution was given to the people by the emperor, and only he had access to change it.
3.5.2. By 1925, men, not women could vote
3.5.3. Very strong executive branch
4. 1912-1926: Taisho Era
4.1. Japan and WWI
4.1.1. Japan dominant power in asia until 1914
4.1.2. Declare war on Germany
4.1.3. 1915 japan issues 21 demands to china
4.1.4. Huge economic growth led to inflation
4.2. Politics of the Taisho Era
4.2.1. Period of increased political activity
4.2.2. Liberals, conservatives, marxists, anarchists, socialists, and women's rights
4.2.3. First party prime minister chosen in 19118, used to be the emperor's advisor.
4.2.4. Social Unrest
4.3. Taisho Foreign Policy
4.3.1. JP changes to policy of internationalism, using international agreements to further the JP’s interests.
5. 1926-1945: Beginning of Early-Showa Era
5.1. Emperor Hirohito- New ruler of japan in 1926
5.1.1. Grandson of Meiji Emperor
5.1.2. Allowed the increased power of the military to take over japan
5.2. 1920’s Foreign Policy
5.2.1. Expansionist- russo-japanese war + 1st sino-japanese war
5.2.2. Indemnity and embarrassment for china
5.2.3. Militaristic- Rapidly growing military
5.2.4. War is purifying
5.2.5. WWI and Other events vault japan to credibility with west
5.2.6. Domestic Shift- Ultranationalism, Fascim, Totalitarianism, Industrialization