German Unification and Meiji Restoration

Compares and contrasts German unification with Meiji Restoration (e.g., nationalism, militarism, modernization,

industrialization).

Imperial Germany

• Led by Otto von Bismarck - Prime Minister of Prussia

• Feared socialism • Fought 3 wars • United many small nations into one unified

Germany • Created the 2nd Reich • Head of new Germany - called kaiser (emperor)

and "Iron Chancellor" of Germany

Same• Government had a constitution and legislature • Both headed by "emperor" • Built a powerful military: both army and navy (citizens

required to serve) • Nationalism: Citizens supported their country and had

great pride in it • Modernized country: transportation, communication,

and banking systems; education, voting rights • Industrialized: built strong businesses, became urban

locations

Meiji Japan• Led by powerful emperor, banned traditional

samurai • Sent ambassadors around the world to learn

Western culture • Adopted western culture so they could "expel the

barbarians" from their land • Feared Westerners would take over Japan • Believed their mission was to free Asian nations

from western imperialism • Wanted an overseas empire