1. The Arrival of Western Influence
In 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry led a fleet of four American warships into Tokyo Bay, demanding that Japan open its ports to American trade. This marked the end of Japan’s two-century-long isolationist policy, known as sakoku. The overwhelming military technology and power displayed by the Western forces made the traditional samurai-dominated system appear outdated and inadequate. The exposure to Western advancements highlighted the need for modernization, challenging the existing feudal structures and prompting Japan to reevaluate its position in the global arena. (britannica.com)
