Meiji Period (1868-1912)

The Meiji Period refers to the time when Mutsuhito, who called himself Meiji, meaning "enlightened rule," was emperor of Japan after the Tokugawa shogun was overthrown. Meiji moved the emperor's home from Kyoto to Edo, renaming the city Tokyo, which means "Eastern Capital." During the Meiji Restoration, Meiji reformed government and the class system to make a more inclusive and democratic government. The samurai were disbanded, and many feudal lords became governors. Christianity was legalized and Japan became more accepting of Western ideologies.

Under Emperor Meiji, Japan became increasingly modernized, and many institutions were modeled on Western countries. Japan also began militarization, and by the end of the Meiji Period, Japan had taken over Korea and won a war with Russia.

Sites in Japan related to the Meiji Period:

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