Meiji+Era

Mutsuhito's reign is known as the Meiji Era. He reigned for 45 years. Meiji means **"enlightened rule"**

When Mutsuhito came into power, he ended the military dictatorship that lasted since the 12th century.

He realized that the best way to resist westernization was to **modernize** Japan. This changed Japan from a feudal nation, to a modern world dominion.

Mutsuhito sent diplomats to Europe and North America and used Germany's strong central government. He also adopted other ideas from different countries. The Meiji period ended with the death of Mutsuhito in 1912.

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