What happened in the Meiji period?

After the national isolation policy of the Edo period, Japan opened up in the Meiji period. A new political structure was adopted and the country rapidly industrialised. Building a modern army and navy, Japan successfully fought wars against China and Russia in 1894 and 1905, respectively.

Meiji Period

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Definition

The Meiji period refers to the period in Japanese history from 1868 to 1912 during which the Meiji Emperor reigned. Following the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Japan's new leaders embarked on a program of radical reform aimed at strengthening the country so it could resist the threat of European imperialism.

More about: Meiji Period

Timeline

1603 - 1868
Edo period. The Tokugawa Shogunate rules Japan.
1868 - 1912
Meiji period in Japan.
1868
The Meiji Restoration eliminates the position of shogun in Japan, Edo is renamed Tokyo, and Edo Castle becomes the Imperial Palace.
1877
Sutsama Rebellion.
1894
Sino-Japanese War over Korea.
1904
Russo-Japanese War. .