Meiji Restoration

  • In Turmoil

    By the early 19th century, Japanese society was in turmoil. Declining agricultural productivity, Harsh taxes on pesants, Samurai & Daimyo in debt to merchants, periodic crop failures, famine, & starvation, and the West arrives demanding trade with Japan.
  • Period: to

    Opium War

    After the Opium War with China & the West, Japan was convinced that it had to "open up" to the West.
  • Modernizing

    Japan went from a non-industrial feudal nation to a modern, industrial, & imperial power.
  • Mathew Perry

    The Arrival of Mathew Perry introduced unequal treaties, Perry's "black" ships steamed into Tokyo Bay, and the Japanese was forced to establish trade and diplomatic relations with the U.S.
  • Period: to

    Emporer Meiji & Empress Haruko

    The rulers of Japan set the tone with western dress during their reign.
  • The Growth of Japanese Trade

    1878-1913.
  • Japanese Constitution of 1889

    The Japanese Constitution of 1889 was based on a German model. This established constitutional monarchy with legislature(diet). The Emporer commanded monarrchy, named a prime minister, & appointed the cabniet.
  • 1890 Election

    Only 5% of the population got to vote in the 1890 elcection.
  • Women's High School Education

    At this time, the most that women were taught is how to sew and other basic nescessities on how to take care of a house.
  • Changing Style

    Women in Japan changed their fashion to be more European.
  • Period: to

    Russo-Japanese War

    Lasted for 1 year resulting in Japan's 2nd Victory.
  • "Miss Japan"

    The first "Miss Japan" happened in 1908.
  • Japan Anexxes Korea

    Japan anexxes Korea in 1910.