Japan Under the Shoguns to Now

Mount Fuji erupts

Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States arrives in Japan and signs a treaty opening trade with Japan. Japan's isolationism comes to an end

British merchant Charles Richardson is killed starting a conflict between Britain and Japan.

Emperor Meiji takes over when the Edo Shogunate loses power. The Empire of Japan is formed

Emperor Meiji moves to the city of Edo renaming it Tokyo

Japan and China go to war. The Japanese win and gain territory including Taiwan

Japan goes to war with Russia. Japan wins emerging as a major world power

Korea is officially annexed as a Japanese colony

World War I begins. Japan joins in the alliance with the Allied Powers against Germany

World War I ends. Japan gains a seat on the Council of the League of Nations

The Great Kanto Earthquake destroys much of Tokyo and Yokohama

Hirohito becomes emperor

Japan invades and conquers Manchuria

Japan launches a major invasion of China capturing major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai

World War II begins

Japan allies with Germany and attacks the United States at Pearl Harbor

The United States drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan surrenders and World War II comes to an end. The United States occupies Japan.

The Constitution of Japan goes into effect

The United States occupation comes to an end. Japan regains independence

The summer Olympics are held in Tokyo

Japan becomes the second largest economic power in the world

The United States returns Okinawa to Japan

Emperor Hirohito dies

Earthquake and Tsunami cause extensive damage including radiation leaks from a nuclear plant

The Kamakura Shogunate government is formed when Yoritomo is appointed the first Shogun.

The Mongols, led by Kublai Khan, attempt to invade Japan, but fail when a typhoon destroys much of the Mongol navy.

The Kemmu Restorations occurs when the Kamakura Shoganate is overthrown.

The Ashikaga Shogunate takes power

The Onin war occurs.

The Portuguese arrive in Japan bringing firearms

Christianity is introduced by Francis Xavier

Japan is unified under the leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He establishes the Edo Shogunate.

Japan invades Korea

Christianity is banned in Japan and Christian priests are forced to leave

Japan becomes isolated from the world restricting all foreigners except for a few Chinese and Dutch merchants. This period of isolation will last for more than 200 years

The Shimabara Rebellion occurs in protest to the persecution of Christians

Forty-Six ronin (samurai warriors with no master) are ordered to commit seppuku (kill themselves) for exacting revenge.

Feudal System

Edo Period

Empire of Japan

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