Stimulated by the Russo-Japanese War (1904-05) and World War I (1914-1918), Japanese
capitalism underwent rapid development. At the same time, popular demand for education
increased, and there was rising call for expansion and reorganization in the education system. In
1918, the University Order was promulgated. Under this Order, approval was given for the
establishment of single-subject universities and private universities. Professional Colleges and
higher secondary schools also saw an increase in numbers. At the same time, normal schools
gradually advanced to the level of professional colleges, or grew closer to the higher education
level. By this time, the enrollment rate of compulsory education had reached 99%. It is fair to
say that a modern education system had been effectively established in Japan by around 1920.