The Meji Restoration of Japan

In 1853 four American warships under the command of Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Tokyo to request that Japan open up their ports for trade with the U.S. The Japanese leaders saw these large, sail less ships and were intimidated by them because they felt that if they didn't agree forceful actions would occur. So on March 31,1854 a treaty was signed between the United States and Japan that effectively opened two ports to the United States. Along with the warships, Perry brought a toy train. This really fascinated the Japanese because they never have seen technology like that before. Not everyone in Japan agreed with the treaty and it ultimately led to the downfall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration. However Emperor Meiji was restored to power and later set Japan on a path of modernization.
The Meiji Era
The Japanese experienced a lot of economic change during the Meiji era. Emperor Meji sent people to different countries to get ideas for their new government. Millions of people were free to choose their occupation without restrictions. The new government had more advances in technology and industrial work. Because of this, railways, shipping lines, and the telephone system were created. The government also introduced an education system that allowed everyone to attend public school.
Archipelago
Japan is an archipelago. An archipelago is a chain or group of islands surrounded by water. The Archipelago extends from north to south along the eastern coast of the Eurasian Continent. The archipelago consists of more than 3,000 islands, including the four Main Islands (Hokkaidō, Honshū, Shikoku, and Kyūshū).