Meiji Restoration, a Brief Overview

Japan was governed for hundreds of years by the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Tokugawa Shogunate was feudal and was led by the Shoguns of the Tokugawa family. Many people of Japan recognized that Japan had to westernize to survive, because they didnt want to end up like China. So people agreed that it was time for feudalism to end. In 1868 The Tokugawa Shogunate was toppled, and feudalism was abolished. This was known as the Meiji Restoration. All the power was restored to the emperor for imperial rule. In reality, Japan was being ruled by an oligarchy made up of the most powerful daimyos who helped lead the restoration, and the emperor was used for a symbol of national unity, and a sanction for the great changes that would be introduced into society, but that is not what is most important. During the rule of Meiji, much westernization occured, and that became one of Japan's main focuses. A large focus on education and military conscription was introduced, and Buddhism was discouraged heavily by Shintoists. Western influence swept the nation and railroads were built, industries came to life, ports were open to western trade and ships, and large fleets of ships and large armies were built based on those of the west. Samurai were no longer allowed to wear swords around, and did not hold as much power. During the Restoration Japan was quickly growing much stronger and was earning the right to be treated on the same level and Western powers.

http://alumni.ox.compsoc.net/~gemini/simons/historyweb/meiji-resto.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Meiji

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_shogunate