Japanese Imperialism and Meiji Restoration

By cetodea

  • Sakoku Edict

    Japan begins its isolationist policy against trade and outside influences

  • Matthew Perry arrives in Japan

    British commodore outguns Japanese forces and demands Japan open to trading. The Convention of Kanagawa is signed to enable trade in 1854.
  • Period: to

    Bakumatsu

    Feudal system breaking down, Japan ends its Sakoku policies and shifts to the Meiji government. Japanese leaders begin planning to become imperial power similar to European model.

  • Emperor Kōmei Issues Order against Foreigners

    After years of forced trade, Emperor mandates that foreigners expelled from Japan.

  • The Satsuma Rebellion

    Armed samurai (now disenfranchised from the traditional feudal system) fought against the new Meiji government, but the new government wins using Western technology against traditional samurai weapons.