The Meiji Revolution

Overview

Japan became the first industrially and technically underdeveloped nation to modernize itself and become a great power. Its transformation took place under the authority of the young, newly installed Meiji Emperor whose profound symbolic importance to the Japanese people was skillfully used by a talented, elite group of government leaders. Such a rapid ascent led Japan to entertain imperial ambitions, resulting in a territorial clash with Russia and stressful changes in the society.