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Event: Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival marked the end of Japan's isolationist policies. He demanded that Japan open its ports to trade with the United States.

Description: Perry's visit led to the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854, which forced Japan to establish trade relations with the U.S. This event marked the beginning of Japan's opening to the world.

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Event: Emperor Meiji was restored to power, ending the Tokugawa shogunate. This happened in a period of modernization and reforms.

Description: The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan into a modern nation-state, embracing Western technologies and institutions, leading to rapid industrialization and political centralization.

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Event: The Meiji government abolished the samurai class and the feudal system, replacing it with a conscripted army.

Description: This marked a significant shift in Japan's social structure and military organization, modernizing the country's defense capabilities.

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Event: Japan defeated China, gaining control of Taiwan and territories in Manchuria.

Description: This victory established Japan as a major regional power and marked its emergence as an imperialist nation.

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Event: Japan's surprise attack on the Russian fleet in Port Arthur led to a war over territorial disputes in East Asia.

Description: Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War was a major global shock and established Japan as a formidable military power.

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Event: Japan formally annexed Korea, ending Korean sovereignty.

Description: This event marked the beginning of Japan's expansionist ambitions in Asia and increased tensions with neighboring countries.

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Event: Emperor Taisho's reign saw a period of political liberalization and the growth of parliamentary government in Japan.

Description: The Taisho era marked a move toward greater political participation and the expansion of civil liberties in Japan.

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Event: Japan presented China with a set of demands that aimed to increase Japanese influence and control over China.

Description: While not fully accepted, these demands increased Japan's presence in China and contributed to growing regional tensions.

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Event: Japan joined the Allied Powers in World War I, seizing German-controlled territories in China and the Pacific.

Description: Japan's participation contributed to its post-war territorial gains and economic growth as it emerged as a major world power.

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Event: Japan participated in the negotiations at the end of World War I and sought to have its racial equality proposal included in the treaty.

Description: The rejection of Japan's proposal by Western powers fueled resentment and contributed to Japan's increasing isolationism and militarism in the coming decades.