Meiji era

The period of Japanese history from 1868 to 1912, defined by Emperor Meiji’s reign and rapid political, economic, and military transformation.

Meiji Restoration: The political revolution that ended Tokugawa rule and restored imperial government in Japan in 1868. It began the political realignment that opened the era.
Tokugawa shogunate: The military government that ruled Japan from 1603 until 1868. Its collapse created the political opening for imperial restoration.
Emperor Meiji: The Japanese emperor who reigned from 1867 to 1912 and gave his name to the Meiji era. His reign provided the era’s defining imperial framework.
Abolition of the han system: The 1871 replacement of Japan’s feudal domains with centrally governed prefectures. It dismantled regional lordship and consolidated national administration.
Meiji Constitution: Japan’s 1889 constitution, which established a constitutional monarchy with sovereignty vested in the emperor. It formalized the era’s new political order.
Perry Expedition: The 1853–1854 United States naval mission that compelled Japan to open ports to American ships. Its arrival intensified debates over foreign relations and political authority.
Itō Hirobumi: A Japanese statesman who helped design the Meiji constitutional system and became its first prime minister. He led the constitutional project that defined the new government.
Satsuma Rebellion: The 1877 uprising of former samurai in Satsuma against the Meiji government. It marked the final major armed challenge to the new state by samurai.
Iwakura Mission: A Japanese diplomatic and study mission that toured the United States and Europe from 1871 to 1873. Its investigations informed decisions about institutions and technology.
Convention of Kanagawa: The 1854 agreement that opened two Japanese ports to American ships and consular contact. It exemplified the unequal pressure challenging Tokugawa policy.

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