Changes

Faced with increasing local dissent, fueled by the influence of Western powers, especially the Americans under Admiral [[Matthew Perry|Matthew C. Perry]], and increasing pressure from feudal landlords, the Tokugawa shogunate finally submitted in 1854 to foreign demands and signed a number of treaties that effectively ended Japan's isolation from the outside world. However, as they had done with other subjugated Asian nations, these treaties drawn up by the Western imperial powers were extremely one-sided, granting the Westerners unfair economic and legal benefits within Japan. In an attempt to regain her independence from the [[European]]s and [[American]]s and establish herself as a respected nation in the world, Meiji Japan was determined to close the gap with the Western powers, both economically and militarily. This resulted in drastic reforms being carried out across all sectors of the economy and society. <ref>K. B. Pyle, The New Generation in Meiji Japan (1969)</ref>

Faced with increasing local dissent, fueled by the influence of Western powers, especially the Americans under Admiral [[Matthew Perry|Matthew C. Perry]], and increasing pressure from feudal landlords, the Tokugawa shogunate finally submitted in 1854 to foreign demands and signed a number of treaties that effectively ended Japan's isolation from the outside world. However, as they had done with other subjugated Asian nations, these treaties drawn up by the Western imperial powers were extremely one-sided, granting the Westerners unfair economic and legal benefits within Japan. In an attempt to regain her independence from the [[European]]s and [[American]]s and establish herself as a respected nation in the world, Meiji Japan was determined to close the gap with the Western powers, both economically and militarily. This resulted in drastic reforms being carried out across all sectors of the economy and society. <ref>K. B. Pyle, The New Generation in Meiji Japan (1969)</ref>

The Western influence was challenged unsuccessfully by the powerful [[Choshu]] and [[Satsuma]] domains of Western Japan and after their defeat in 1863, they demanded creation of a new government, loyal to the emperor, with the aim of expelling the foreigners. In January 1868, a palace coup took place, led by [[Samurai]] from these two domains, supported by anti-Tokugawa court nobles. This resulted in the abolition of the shogunate and returned power to the Emperor. Shortly afterwards, the court was moved from Kyoto to Edo (later renamed [[Tokyo]], meaning “Eastern Capital”), where a centralised administration was established.

The Western influence was challenged unsuccessfully by the powerful [[Choshu]] and [[Satsuma]] domains of Western Japan and after their defeat in 1863, they demanded creation of a new government, loyal to the emperor, with the aim of expelling the foreigners. In January 1868, a palace coup took place, led by [[Samurai]] from these two domains, supported by anti-Tokugawa court nobles. This resulted in the abolition of the shogunate and returned power to the Emperor. Shortly afterwards, the court was moved from Kyoto (meaning "Capital City") to Edo (later renamed [[Tokyo]], meaning “Eastern Capital”), where a centralised administration was established.

== Reforms ==

== Reforms ==