Meiji Restoration
PoliticsRevolutionPower is restored to Emperor Meiji, ending the shogunate and launching Japan's rapid modernisation.
- Date
- January 3, 1868 · On this day · View on map
- Countries
- Japan
- Regions
- East Asia
- Importance
- ★★★★★
- Sources
Power is restored to Emperor Meiji, ending the shogunate and launching Japan's rapid modernisation.
Under military pressure, Joseon signs an unequal treaty opening its ports to Japan.
Britain and France fight Qing China, occupy Beijing and burn the Old Summer Palace in 1860, forcing further unequal treaties.
U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry's 'Black Ships' enter Edo Bay, pressing Japan to end its isolation policy.
Hong Xiuquan's movement founds the 'Taiping Heavenly Kingdom'; the ensuing civil war causes tens of millions of deaths.
Emperor Meiji promulgates Japan's first constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy with a parliament.
The Qing cede Hong Kong Island to Britain and open five treaty ports, the first of China's unequal treaties.