-
Mathew Perry's "black ships" arrive in Edo Bay
US fleet forces force Japan to assimilate to foreign influence after 2 centuries of isolation -
The Treaty of Kanagawa
Matthew Perry returns to Edo Bay to negotiate the Treaty of Kanagawa. This was the first treaty created by the United States and Japan, therefore leading Japan to completely abolish their 200 year policy of isolation. -
The Harris Treaty
The Tokugawa Shogunate signs the Harris Treaty between the United States and Japan.Therefore, Japan opens up 8 of their ports to the U.S. -
Last of the Tokugawa Shoguns
The last Tokugawa shogun, Keiki, resigns, ending the shogunate. -
Era of the Tokugawa Shoguns
This was an era of political, economic, and social change that progressed gradually. This period experienced growing urbanization and the popular expansion of the merchant class. this era lasted from year 1600 to 1868. After year 1868, Japan industrialized rapidly. -
The Meiji Period
Era in which the Charter Oath is written. The shogunate is replaced with central power, the samurai class is eliminate, and primary education and military service becomes mandatory for men. Edo is renamed Tokyo. -
A New Capital
Edo is renamed Tokyo. The capital of Japan is moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. -
The Iwakura Mission and Further Assimilation
The Iwakura mission heads west to observe methods of civil governance. This is just one example of Japan's assimilation to the pressures of imperialism -
Meiji Constitution
The Meiji Constitution is promulgated -
The Imperial Rescript on Education
The First Diet (parliamentary assembly is convened. The Imperial Rescript on Education is issued. -
The Sino-Japanese War
The Sino-Japanese War was one of the last significant events for Japan in the 1800s. The Japanese were victorious in the war and assert their newly gained imperial powers over Korea and Taiwan. -
Russo- Japanese War
Japan is victorious against Czarist Russia. Japan becomes the first Asian country in modern times to defeat European power against the Russians. -
Gentleman's Agreement
The United States and Japan reach an agreement stating that the U.S. would neither impose nor enforce restrictions on immigration so long as Japan would not allow further emigration into the U.S. -
Korea is Annexed
Korea is annexed after 3 years of fighting. -
Beginning of the Taisho Period
Emperor Meiji dies. His son, Yoshihito, ascends his throne. This marks the beginning of the Taisho period. -
World War I
Japan becomes an alliance to Britain in World War I. Subsequently, the country gained some Pacific Islands from Germany.
