Transforming Japan: The Meiji Restoration

This chapter explores the pivotal changes during the Meiji Restoration in Japan, paralleling it with the French Revolution while highlighting its distinct reforms. It discusses significant government initiatives that abolished feudalism, promoted education, and catalyzed industrialization through foreign collaboration, while also examining the harsh realities faced by factory workers. The chapter tracks the evolution of labor movements in Japan, showcasing the blend of Western and traditional ideologies that shaped their fight for rights amidst growing socioeconomic tensions.