During the Meiji Restoration, Japan set out to modernize and westernize their society. To that end, the government embarked on a series of substantial changes that aimed to reshape various aspects of Japanese life, including but not limited to:
1. Centralization of power: The Meiji government sought to centralize power by establishing a strong central authority and abolishing the traditional feudal system.
2. Westernization and modernization: The government actively promoted the adoption of Western technology, knowledge, and institutions in various fields such as industry, education, and the military with an aim to catch up to the global modernization standards and compete on the global stage.
3. Abolish Feudalism: The feudal system with its rigid social hierarchy and territorial division was dismantled. Japan adopted a modern civil code and a new system of land ownership, freeing up resources and reducing social inequality.
4. Encouraging entrepreneurship and industrialization: The government actively supported the development of domestic industries, providing financial and technical assistance to businesses, thereby creating a more robust industrial base.
5. Boost military strength: The government understood that a strong military was needed for a prosperous nation. Japan rebuilt its military, focused particularly on adopting modern weaponry and training strategies, and implemented mandatory conscription for young men.
These reforms aimed to reshape Japan into a powerful, unified nation that could compete with the Western empires.