Meiji Restoration

The lesson begins with a brief review of Japanese society/policies and the impact of the arrival of Matthew Perry.

For the main part of the lesson, students analyze four documents to learn about the impact of the Meiji Restoration. The documents include an excerpt from the Charter Oath, a passage from a Japanese prime minister in 1895, a passage from a Japanese politician in 1901, and a painting from the Meiji era.

Finally, students use these documents to summarize the positive and negative effects of the period of reform on Japan. Class ends with a discussion where students can share their views on the essential question.