A pivotal event in Japanese history that marked the end of centuries of isolationism was the Meiji Restoration of 1868. Initiated to counter the threat posed by Western powers, particularly after Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853, this period aimed to modernize and industrialize Japan. The Meiji government abolished the feudal system, reformed the military, and invested in technology, leading to rapid modernization of the economy and society. Consequently, Japan emerged as a significant global power, shifting from isolation to active participation in international affairs, which would eventually set the stage for its role in World War II.