Industrial
and Political Change in the Meiji State
nThe Meiji government abolished feudalism.
•The daimyos were replaced by nationally appointed
prefects in 1871.
nThe new centralized administration expanded state power
to carry out economic and
social change.
nSamurai officials were sent to Europe and the United
States to study their
economies, technologies, and political systems.
nBetween 1873 and 1876 the government abolished the samurai class and its state stipends.
•Most samurai became impoverished and revolt resulted in
1877.
•The reformed army, based on national conscription,
quickly triumphed.
nSamurai continued to exist and many sought opportunities
in commerce and politics.
