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Jul 27, 1549
Arrival of Portuguese Missionary
Saint Fracis Xavier, a Portuguese missionary arrived in Japan. They Portuguese became the first and most successful Europeans in trade agreements with Japanese. -
Period: Jul 27, 1549 to
Japan: 16th Century to Post WWII
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Japanese Attack of Korea
Toyotomi Hiheyoshi violently attacked Korea. -
Christianity Banned
Shogun Tokugawa Leyasu bans Christianity from Japan. -
Japanese Broke Ties with Other Nations
During the 1630s, the Japanese broke ties with all foreigners for the next two hundred years. -
Re-opening of Trading Ports
Japanese agreed to open two trading ports to the United States. -
Official Return of Imperial Power
Emperor Meijing announced official return of the imperial power and was declared the divine ruler. The Japanese Empire began. -
First Sino-Japan War
Japan goes to war against China, and its superior forces emerge victorious in just 9 months. -
Japanese Invasion of Taiwan
The Japanese Empire conquers Taiwan, and installs rule to the next 5 years. -
Russo-Japanese War
Japan goes to war against Russia. It grew out of rival imperial ambitions of both empires over Manchuria and Korea. Japanese forces win in 1905. -
Japan-Korea Treaty
Japan annexes Korea after three years of fighting. Japan is now one of the world's super powers. -
Japanese Declares War on Germany
Japan declares war on Germany, as they prepared to assist the British in expelling the Germans from the Far East. -
Extreme Nationalism
Late 1920s, extreme emphasis is on preservation of traditional Japanese values, and rejection of Western influence -
Second Sino-China War
Japan goes to war with China, and by the end of the year, Japan has captured major Chinese cities. Japanese forces commit atrocities, including the "Rape of Nanjing". -
Pearl Harbor Attack
Japan launches a surprise attack on the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.The US and its main allies declare war on Japan the following day. -
Japanese Dominance Over Asia
Japan occupies a succession of countries, including the Philippines, Dutch East Indies, Burma and Malaysia. -
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
US bombers drop two atomic bombs, one on Hiroshima and a second on Nagasaki (9 August). Japan finally surrenders, and is placed under US military government. All Japanese military and naval forces are disbanded. -
Treaty of San Francisco
Japan signs treaty with the United States and other nations, ending World War II. -
Japanese Regain Independence
Japan reclaims its independence, however the United States kept several islands for millitary use.
