During which period did Japan increase its modernization, industrialization, and connection to other nations?

1 Answer
Feb 21, 2017

Japan modernized, industrialized, and connected more with other nations during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912).

Explanation:

Following a period of around 250 years of self-declared isolation from the world during the era of the Tokugawa shogunate (also known as the Edo period, 1603 - 1868), Japan was visited by Commodore Perry and the U.S. Navy, who came bearing a threat: open your country to foreign relations and trade, or in a year's time, we will forcibly do just that.

As Japan was not equipped to fight against the U.S. Navy, the country opened up to rest of the world, allowing an influx of new ideas and technologies. Following the end of the shogunate and the restoration of the Emperor Meiji to the imperial throne, the Meiji era began. It was marked by a huge upswing in industrialization, more and better relations with other nations, and the modernization of Japan's politics, education system, and other cultural aspects.

At the end of the Meiji period in 1912, Japan had become an industrialized and modern nation in many ways, and was regarded as a new global power.