The Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, was a pivotal event in Japanese history. It marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji. During this period, Japan underwent rapid modernization and westernization. The government implemented many reforms, including building a modern army, establishing a new education system, and developing industry. These changes helped Japan transform from a feudal society into a powerful nation. The Meiji Restoration played a crucial role in shaping Japan's future and its emergence as a major world power.