The Meiji Restoration of Japan

Japan had always been a country dedicated to isolation. They didn't want to trade with any other countries and only looked out and worried for themselves. In 1853, European explorers such as Mathew Perry voyaged to Japan and wanted trade of water and coal. The Japanese were stunned by the European's technology. Since Japan was an archipelago, a small group of islands, it would be easy to trade. The Japanese disliked the idea of opening trade with the Europeans and many fought the Europeans because of this idea. But with the helpof superior and such advanced technology, Mathew Perry was able to force trade with Japan. This led to the fall of Japanese shogunates and the restoration of power for the Emperor Meiji.

Trade helped Japan move towards modernization. Japans government was expanded and the country became more open to trade. Japan was introduced to many other outside cultures and goods. The population and industrialization increased. The Emperor had limited control and less power than the shogun and he soon became meaningless. All of these changes led to such a strong and advanced country as Japan is today.