There were many changes during the Edo Period that were later reversed during the Meiji Period. For example, in the government it was originally an uncentralized government form where there were domains and residents were only loyal to the leader for their domain the daimyo. This was also feudal but with the arrival of the Meiji Period, this was changed into an unclassed social structure (with the help of education) and a centralized government was created in Tokyo, adopting some constitution that made and allowed individual rights.
The military also changed rapidly as during the Edo Period, the shogun had the largest army and each daimyo had their own army of samurai. Over time though, the daimyo armies became much smaller as it was too much money to maintain and there was no need for large ones. With the Meiji period, military service became compulsory as Japan wanted to build a strong army to have power and renegotiate the unequal treaties and have power in their surrounding area.
Foreign relations also changed as before the priorities were peace and order. The Bakufu believed that the best way to maintain this was to isolate Japan from the rest of the world. At the end of the Tokugawa Period it signed the unequal treaties and this was a major factor in the downfall of the Bakufu. Meanwhile, the priority of the Meiji Leaders was to build up Japan’s strength so it was the same as Western countries and independence could be maintained. More openness was opened to Western ideas and Japanese travelled to Western countries to learn their technology and military practices to help modernize the country There was a major goal of renegotiating the unequal treaties.
Education also changed as before only few people and samurai were educated but the Ministry of Education made it compulsory during the Meiji Period for boys and girls to attend primary school. In these schools there was a set curriculum and free universities were set up. Education was key in the changing of social structure as the lines began to become blurred between middle class and farmers this way and no one could tell for certain what class you were part of based on education.
How Did Changes in the Edo Period Compare to Changes in the Meiji Period?