Changes

== Reforms ==

== Reforms ==

Dramatic reforms were implemented across all areas of Japanese society, under the slogan '' “Fu<i></i>koku Kyohei” (富国挙兵 enrich the country and strengthen the military)'', in an attempt by the new government to make Japan a democratic state, with equal rights for all its citizens. This resulted in the class boundaries of Tokugawa Japan being gradually broken down. As a result, the Samurai lost all their privileges, despite the fact that their actions had precipitated the reforms. The reforms also included the introduction of basic human rights such as religious freedom, which was introduced in 1873.<ref>M. Umegaki, After the Restoration: The Beginning of Japan's Modern State (1988)</ref>

Dramatic reforms were implemented across all areas of Japanese society, under the slogan '' “Fu<i></i>koku Kyohei” (富国挙兵 enrich the country and strengthen the military)'', in an attempt by the new government to make Japan a democratic state, with equal rights for all its citizens, and to make Japan a power equal to the stronger western nations. This resulted in the class boundaries of Tokugawa Japan being gradually broken down. As a result, the Samurai lost all their privileges, despite the fact that their actions had precipitated the reforms. The reforms also included the introduction of basic human rights such as religious freedom, which was introduced in 1873.<ref>M. Umegaki, After the Restoration: The Beginning of Japan's Modern State (1988)</ref>

In order to stabilise the new government, the former [[feudal]] landlords  were required to return ownership of all their lands to the control of the Emperor. This process was completed by 1870 and thereafter was followed by the restructuring of the country into [[prefecture]]s, which still exist to this day. The education system was remodeled, based firstly upon the French and later the German schooling systems. During this time, compulsory education was introduced. In addition, many Japanese scholars and politicians were sent abroad to study the Western education and political systems and to research new and existing technologies present in Europe and North America. At the same time, many  Westerners were invited to Japan to help build and develop new industries there.<ref>K. B. Pyle, The New Generation in Meiji Japan (1969)</ref>

In order to stabilise the new government, the former [[feudal]] landlords  were required to return ownership of all their lands to the control of the Emperor. This process was completed by 1870 and thereafter was followed by the restructuring of the country into [[prefecture]]s, which still exist to this day. The education system was remodeled, based firstly upon the French and later the German schooling systems. During this time, compulsory education was introduced. In addition, many Japanese scholars and politicians were sent abroad to study the Western education and political systems and to research new and existing technologies present in Europe and North America. At the same time, many  Westerners were invited to Japan to help build and develop new industries there.<ref>K. B. Pyle, The New Generation in Meiji Japan (1969)</ref>