WS

Meiji Period Begins

Feb 3, 1867

Japan is unified

Dec 31, 1871

Japan makes a military

Jan 10, 1873

In 1872, Japan formed a military based on nationwide conscription (of males).

Modernization of Japan

Dec 1, 1873

Japan begins modernizing, starting with the tax system. Citizens were now required to pay taxes in cash, not rice.

"All citizens are equal"

Dec 3, 1876

Japan abolishes the social rank of "Samurai" and declares that all citizens are equal.

First Sino-Japanese War

Aug 1, 1894

Japan fights China over control of Korea

First Sino-Japanese War Ends

Apr 17, 1895

Japan gains her first colony - Taiwan.

Russo-Japanese War Begins

Feb 8, 1904

The war was fought over Manchuria and Korea.

Russo-Japanese War Ends

Sep 5, 1905

Japan has annexed Korea as a result of the conflict

Meiji Era Ends

Jul 30, 1912

The Meiji Emperor dies, and the sun sets on the Meiji Era.

Great Depression begins

Oct 31, 1929

Japan turns Manchuria into a puppet state.

Japan Colonises Manchuria

Sep 18, 1931

Japanese units stationed in Manchuria used a local incident as an excuse to completly control Manchuria.

Showa Era Begins

Dec 25, 1932

Emperor Hirohito takes the throne

Second Sino-Japanese War

Jul 7, 1937

Japan invades China for resources and land.

U.S Becomes involved in the Pacific War

Jul 25, 1940

The U.S has issued an ultimatum to Japan, saying that steel and oil exports would be cut off unless they pulled out of China. Japan chose to ignore this warning.

Japan Loses WW2

Aug 14, 1945

Japan loses World War 2