The Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, ushered in a period of significant reforms in Japan aimed at modernizing and westernizing the nation. Key reforms included the abolition of the feudal system, the establishment of a centralized government, and the development of a constitution, culminating in the Meiji Constitution of 1889. The government invested in industrialization and infrastructure, emphasizing education and military reform to foster a modern army. These changes were critical in transforming Japan into a major world power, allowing it to compete with Western nations and eventually play a significant role in international affairs.