September 1868

Edo is renamed Tokyo and established as the capital city.

March 1869

The emperor is moved to Tokyo and the city is made the seat of government.

1871

A Ministry of Education is established which encourages Western learning and begins the process of building a national system of education.

August 1871

The government abolishes all domains and converting them to prefectures.

1879

Baseball is introduced to Japan.

1873

The ban on Christianity is officially lifted.

December 1885

Ito Hirobumi becomes the first Prime Minister

August 1, 1894

Japan declares war on China over Korea.

April 17, 1895

The Treaty of Shimonoseki end the Sino-Japanese war.

1910

Japan annexes Korea and imposes military rule.

July 1912

Death of Emperor Meiji at age 59 of cancer. Enthronement of Yoshihito.