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The Edo period or Tokugawa era officially took place beginning in 1603. During this time frame the Takugawa established a hierarchy based society, banned Christianity, banned travel and secluded Japan from the outside world. Although the Japanese were isolated from the outside world, their society continued to evolve and grow through urbanization. However, after being secluded for such a long period of time, the people wanted to continue to grow and not fall behind the rest of the world.
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Emperor Komei was against Westernization of Japan and issued an edict for all foreigners to leave.
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Emperor Komei dies, and his teenage son Mutsuhito becomes the Meiji Emperor
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The Tokugawa era is coming to an end. Bakumasta means "end of the curtain"
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The Tokugawa era ends and the Meiji era beings, The Meiji constitution is established.
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The Charter Oath of 1868 was to be followed during Meiji's reign and created guidelines for Japan's modernization.
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Edo castle, the previous headquarters of the the Tokugawa burns down.
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Compulsory primary education was introduced.
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Japan established a cabinet system based on European ideas and appoointed their first Prime Minister, Itō Hirobumi.
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The constitution was drafted by Ito Hirobumi and other government leaders. It demonstrated to other countries that Japan was now modern.
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The First Sino-Japanese war, Japan and China fought over control over Korea. Japan succeeded as a result of modernization and industrialization obtained years prior.
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Russo-Japanese war was between Japan and Russia over the control of Manchuria and Korea. Japan was victorious and proved to be a powerful leader.
