Block+E+Matsukata+Masayoshi+&+Philip+Jeong+Angela+Kwon

Masayoshi Matsukata was born in a Samurai family on March 23, 1835 in the Satsuma domain. Matsukata entered an elite group for samurai boys, known as the, at the very young age of six. Members of the Goju lived spartan lives. Along with other Goju members, he practiced martial arts daily, learned calligraphy, and studied Confucianism, so he was proficient in a variety of things. Being a Confucian at a young age heavily influenced his life by making him loyal to the emperor in any case. As an adult, Matsukata was a successful, powerful, and loyal man since he was many things. 1) cheif steward, which was the highest rank for a samurai 2) government policy maker in Satsuma. 3) assistant commissioner in charge of Satsuma's navy 4) Prime Minister of Japan once in 1891 and again in 1896

FOR MODERNIZATION: In Matsukata wanted FAST, DIRECT changes in the nation itself for modernization before accepting any western interactions. He abolished gift giving to government officials, constructed new roads and bridges, initiated reforestation, and increased agricultural production by reclaiming wastelands. Matsukata changed the basis of taxation from a percentage of a landowner's annual yield to a fixed rate based on the value of the land. His Land Tax Reform of 1873 provided economic stability for the Meiji government by establishing predictable tax revenues. The economic stability that he brought helped the government to modernize by buying foreign modern goods. Throughout all of his deeds, he was always loyal to the emperor.



Working-class people of Japan working for their King in respect, where the King is located at the top of the temple, gazing at the workers.

Samuri's practicing their sword skills.

Japanese Soldiers fighting for their king and their country.

Sources:

Pictures http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-carpenters-claw-hammer-and-nail-image8058774 http://m.eb.com/assembly/101054 http://www.alcon.com/en/alcon-locations/japan.aspx

Information "Masayoshi Matsukata." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Web. 2 May 2012.

Morris, J., Makers of Japan, 1906; Reischauer, Haru Matsukata, Samurai and Silk: A Japanese and American Heritage, 1986.