The Meiji Restoration was a pivotal period in Japanese history that took place from 1868 to 1912. It marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, a feudal military government that had ruled Japan for over 250 years, and the beginning of a new era of modernization and Westernization. During this time, Japan underwent significant changes in response to external pressures and internal challenges.

One of the key catalysts for the Meiji Restoration was the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate. The shogunate faced various internal conflicts and economic difficulties, leading to social unrest and a loss of public support. Additionally, the arrival of foreign powers, notably the United States and European countries, disrupted the long-standing isolationist policies of Japan.

The influence of Western nations on Japan posed both opportunities and threats. Western powers, armed with advanced technology and superior military capabilities, sought to establish trade relations and gain access to Japanese markets. This forced Japan to reevaluate its traditional ways and consider adopting Western methods in order to adapt and survive in a rapidly changing world.