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| 1867 |
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Young leaders, such as Saig Takamori (1827–77) and  kubo Toshimichi (1830–78) of Satsuma, plotted to undermine the shogunal authorities. A vigorous young ruler, Mutsuhito (Emperor Meiji, b. 1852) came to the throne (Feb.). Keiki, who was a Mito scion predisposed to surrender to Kyoto, resigned (Nov.), bringing almost 700 years of feudal military government to an end. | 1 |
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| 1868, Jan. 1 |
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| Hygo (Kbe) and saka were opened to foreign trade. | 2 |
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| Jan. 3 |
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| THE MEIJI RESTORATION. The emperor assumed direct control over the nation. Certain of the western clans seized power in Kyoto, and the remaining Tokugawa forces and those domainal forces loyal to the bakufu were defeated in a civil war (July 4, Battle of Ueno in Edo). | 3 |
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| March |
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| The emperor received French, Dutch, and British representatives. | 4 |
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| April 6 |
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| The Charter Oath delivered by the emperor promised a deliberative assembly, the decision of public affairs by public opinion, the dissolution of the feudal system, and the plan to utilize knowledge and information from around the globe, regardless of its origins, to fortify the imperial state. | 5 |
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| Nov |
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| The national capital was moved to Edo, renamed Tokyo (eastern capital). The next year, the emperor relocated to the shogun's former castle there. Meanwhile, the era name was changed to Meiji (enlightened rule), and henceforth there would be only one era name for each emperor, as had been the case in China since the founding of the Ming exactly 500 years earlier. | 6 |
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