1.

Edo Period (1603-1868):

1603: Tokugawa Ieyasu establishes the Tokugawa shogunate, marking the beginning of the Edo
period.
1615: Siege of Osaka ends Toyotomi Hideyori's resistance against the Tokugawa shogunate,
solidifying Tokugawa rule.
1633: The Tokugawa shogunate implements the Sakoku Edict, closing Japan's borders to
foreign influence and trade.
1639: Establishment of Dejima, a trading post in Nagasaki, where limited Dutch and Chinese
trade is allowed.
1853: Arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry's Black Ships, demanding Japan to open its ports to
trade with the United States.
1854: Signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa, which opens two Japanese ports to American ships.
1858: The Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Treaty of Kanagawa) was signed with the United
States, opening additional Japanese ports to foreign trade.
1863-1864: The Ikedaya Incident and the Kinmon Incident heighten tensions between
pro-imperial and shogunate forces.
1866: Satsuma and Choshu domains ally against the Tokugawa shogunate.
1868: The Boshin War breaks out between forces loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate and those
supporting the imperial restoration.
Meiji Period (1868-1912):

1868: Meiji Restoration: Emperor Meiji is restored to power, marking the end of the Tokugawa
shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji period.
1869: Abolition of the feudal system; domains are transformed into prefectures.
1871: Abolition of the samurai class; establishment of a conscript army based on European
models.
1872: Introduction of the Gregorian calendar and Western-style education system.
1873: Abolition of the traditional caste system.
1876: Banning of samurai carrying swords in public.
1877: Satsuma Rebellion led by Saigō Takamori against the centralizing policies of the Meiji
government.
1889: Adoption of the Meiji Constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy and the Diet.
1894-1895: First Sino-Japanese War over influence in Korea.
1904-1905: Russo-Japanese War, resulting in Japanese victory and establishing Japan as a
major world power.
1912: Emperor Meiji passes away, marking the end of the Meiji period.

2. Japan was perceived as a world power by 1905 because of its military power and
industrialisation. Japan transformed its military, drawing inspiration from European powers. It
established a modern army and navy, shifting from a feudal samurai-based system to a
conscript-based military. This reform included the introduction of modern weaponry, Western
military training methods, and the establishment of military academies. Additionally, Japan's
industrial revolution was pivotal. By adopting Western technology, Japan rapidly developed its
infrastructure, industries, and transportation systems, laying the foundation for economic and
military strength.