There were momentous events in Japan between 1853 and 1868. In just fifteen years, a repressive feudal regime was transformed into an embryonic democracy under the broadly benevolent eye of the young Emperor Meiji. Over 260 years of rigid rule by hereditary Tokugawa shōguns was swept aside, with trade as a mainspring of revolution. But the transition was punctuated with dissent and deceit, murder and mayhem. A young British businessman is murdered by samurai in 1862, and with the massive power of the Royal Navy, the British government demands reparations. The bombardment that ensues has...
There were momentous events in Japan between 1853 and 1868. In just fifteen years, a repressive feudal regime was transformed into an embryonic democr...
