The Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, was a pivotal period in Japan's history when the country transitioned from a feudal society under the shogunate to a modern, centralized government. This movement restored power to the Emperor and aimed to transform Japan into a competitive global power. The government embraced Western technology, education, and industry, leading to significant economic and social changes. The Meiji era laid the groundwork for Japan's emergence as an industrialized nation and set the stage for its future role in global affairs, including both cooperation and conflict with other powers.