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The Meiji Restoration

1868–1889AsiaPolitical and economic

The political change that ended the Tokugawa shogunate and launched Japan's rapid modernisation.

Background

After the arrival of American ships under Commodore Perry in 1853 and 1854, Japan was forced to sign unequal treaties. The shogunate looked weak, and samurai from domains such as Satsuma and Chōshū called for a stronger government around the emperor.

Course of events

In 1868 forces loyal to the emperor defeated the shogunate in the Boshin War, and Emperor Meiji was restored to the centre of government. The capital moved to Tokyo, domains were abolished, and the government introduced conscription, a modern school system and new industries. The Meiji Constitution came into force in 1889.

Legacy

Japan emerged as an industrial and military power within a few decades. The changes also fed imperial expansion in the following century, and the legacy of the period is still widely discussed.

Further reading: The Meiji Restoration on Wikipedia. This page is a short summary for general readers; dates and figures can vary between sources.