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Birth and Boyhood
He was born on November 3rd 1852. As a boy Emperor Meiji (a.k.a Mutsuhito) was raised in a small in a small house on his maternal Grandfathers property on the North end of Gosho, Japan. -
Reign
The Tokugawa Shogunate had established itself in the early 17th century. Under its rule, the shogun governed Japan. About 180 lords, known as daimyo, ruled autonomous realms under the shogun, who occasionally called upon the daimyo for gifts, but did not tax them. -
Proclaimed Prince
Sachinomiya (boyhood name) was proclaimed prince, heir to the throne, adopted by his fathers cosort. Later that year he was given his adult name - Mutsuhito. -
Becoming Emperor
By the early 1860s, the shogunate was under several threats. Representatives of foreign powers sought to increase their influence in Japan. Many daimyo were increasingly dissatisfied with bakufu handling foreign affairs. -
Fathers Death
Emperor Komei died at age 36d Meiji took the reign. -
Formal emperor
Meiji formally became emperor at age 14 but continued his studies hile shogun Yoshinobu maintained power. -
Meiji Restoration
During the Meiji restoration, Emperor Meiji restored rule to centralized Monarchy. -
Marriage
Meiji married Ichjo Haruko, she was 3 years older than him and was the daugther of an imperial official. -
Meiji Constitution
This document stated rights and duties of the people and gave an elected legislative chamber the power to veto goverment bills. -
Breakthrough in equal trade treaties for Japan
The British government agreed to a new and equal trade treaty with Japan. other countries followed suit which terminated 40 years of inequal trade treaties for Japan. -
Death
The death of the great emperor Meiji.
