ABSTRACT
The Japanese Meiji era began officially in 1868 with the abolition of the Shogunate and the restoration of the Meiji emperor. This period (1868-1912) encompasses major changes in the government, economy, and society of Japan. Prior to this period Japan had been a closed, isolated, self-sufficient society. The class structure had included the warrior/bureaucrat as the elite, the peasants, artisans, and merchants in descending order of respect. An underclass of slaves, priests, entertainers, and masterless samurai was not recognized officially as part of the social structure. Yet changes had occurred politically and economically as well as socially, which facilitated the transition to a modern nation under Meiji. Nonetheless, the Japanese were unable to prevent Western nations from establishing trade and diplomatic rights. This inability to protect the nation was a major factor in undermining the authority of the Shogunate.
