Meiji Restoration

Emperor Kōmei, Emperor Meiji's father, ruled from March 10, 1846 to January 30, 1867, until his death.

Emperor Meiji, who reigned during the Meiji period, was born on November 3, 1852, and was named Sachinomiya.

Commander Matthew Perry led a fleet of ships to Japan, compelling the country to grant access to their ports to the United States.

In 1854, Japan opened its ports to foreigners in compliance with American demands, leading to a period of tumultuous change as Westerners demanded trade, introduced new customs, and influenced Japan's political landscape.

Sachinomiya is officially declared as the Crown Prince and bestowed with the adult personal name Mutsuhito.

The alliance between Saigō Takamori and Kido Takayoshi, supported by Sakamoto Ryōma, aimed to challenge the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and restore power to Emperor Kōmei.

Emperor Kōmei's death marked a significant moment in the transition towards the Meiji Restoration.

Emperor Meiji ascended the throne following the death of Emperor Kōmei, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese history.

The Meiji Restoration started on March 21, 1867, marking the beginning of the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Edo period in Japan.

Tokugawa Yoshinobu resigned, leading to the official end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule in Japan.

Itō Hirobumi is a central figure in the Meiji Restoration, a period in Japanese history marked by the restoration of imperial rule and modernization of the country.

The Tokugawa shoguns ruled Japan until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which marked the end of the Tokugawa Era and the restoration of imperial rule in Japan.

Emperor Meiji stripped Yoshinobu of all power and declared the restoration of imperial authority, marking a definitive shift in Japanese governance.

The Meiji Oligarchy was a period following the Meiji Restoration in Japan, characterized by a small group of powerful individuals holding control over the government and influencing policies during the early years of the Meiji era.

On November 6, 1868, the capital of Japan was moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was later renamed Tokyo (Eastern Capital).

In May 1869, forces loyal to the Emperor defeated the shogunate forces led by Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizō in the Battle of Hakodate in Hokkaidō. This marked the final end of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun, surrendered to imperial forces in June 1869 after mounting a brief civil war in response to the Meiji Restoration.

In July 1869, feudal lords were asked to surrender their domains, which were later abolished and turned into prefectures under a centralized state.

In 1871, the domains of feudal lords were officially abolished and converted into prefectures as part of the centralization of the state.

By 1872, all domains in Japan were returned to the Emperor and turned into 72 prefectures under the control of state-appointed governors. This restructuring led to a significant loss of wealth among former samurai.

In 1873, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar and implemented universal military conscription. Additionally, a new land tax system was instituted during this time.

In March 21, 1873, Edo Castle in Tokyo was destroyed as part of the modernization efforts during the Meiji period in Japan.

In 1874, a request for the establishment of a national assembly was submitted by Itagaki and others in Japan.

In May 1875, the Japanese government lifted their attempted ban on cremation and promoted cremation for diseased people. This decision was influenced by western European arguments on the benefits of cremation in limiting disease spread.

By 1876, the government implemented a ban on the wearing of traditional samurai attire, marking the end of the samurai class privileges.

Saigō Takamori, a prominent samurai, led the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877 against the Meiji government, marking a major challenge to the new regime.

In 1878, Ōkubo Toshimichi, one of the key figures in the Meiji Restoration, was assassinated, causing a political upheaval in Japan.

Edo Castle is destroyed in a fire, leading to the emperor moving to the Akasaka Palace.

The Japanese government promised to establish a national assembly in 1881, signaling a step towards modernization and political reform.

In 1884, Japan created a peerage system while facing internal unrest with the Chichibu Uprising, reflecting the challenges of the Meiji era.

The adoption of the cabinet system in 1885 saw Itō Hirobumi becoming Japan's first prime minister, a pivotal moment in the country's political evolution.

In 1887, Japan introduced electric lighting, showcasing technological advancement and modernization during the Meiji period.

The Privy Council was established in 1888, becoming a key advisory body to the Emperor and contributing to the centralization of power in Japan.

The Meiji Constitution of 1889 introduced various social, educational, military, and industrial reforms in Japan, marking a significant shift towards modernization.

The Meiji Constitution was promulgated on February 11, 1889, establishing a modern political system in Japan with sovereignty vested in the emperor, a weak legislature, and a strong cabinet, marking a significant step towards constitutional government.

The first Diet, established by the Meiji Constitution, was convened in 1890. It marked the beginning of a new era of parliamentary governance in Japan.

On November 29, 1890, the Constitution of the Empire of Japan was enacted, establishing a mixed constitutional and absolute monarchy system where the Emperor was legally the supreme leader.

The Sino-Japanese War of 1894 was fought between Japan and China over control of Korea, resulting in Japan's victory and acquisition of territories.

In 1895, Russia, Germany, and France intervened in the aftermath of the Sino-Japanese War, impacting Japan's diplomatic relations and regional influence.

The Ōkuma-Itagaki cabinet was formed in 1898, representing a political development during the late Meiji period.

Prince Yoshihito, Meiji's only surviving son and future Emperor, gets married.

Japan fought and won a war against a major European power, Russia, in 1905, establishing full independence and equality in international affairs.

Emperor Meiji passed away at the age of 59 due to uremia, marking the end of his rule and the Meiji Period.

In 1925, Japanese people demanded and achieved universal manhood suffrage, allowing all adult males to vote regardless of social status or wealth.

The book 'Patriots and Redeemers: Motives in the Meiji Restoration' by George M. Wilson was published in 1992 by the University of Chicago Press, exploring the motives behind the Meiji Restoration.

Marius Jansen's work focuses on Sakamoto Ryoma's role in the Meiji Restoration, shedding light on his contributions to the historical period.

Albert M. Craig's book focuses on the role of Choshu domain in the Meiji Restoration, highlighting its significance in the historical event.