In order to compete with the western nations Japan began modernizing its politics and economy in a process called Meiji Restoration. After the death of Tokugawa Shogun in 1868 the emperor was again in full control and had all the powers. He took the name of Meiji and wanted to restore Japan's previous glory. It actually crossed the expectations and after the death of the emperor in 1912 Japan was far ahead than expected. It had a centralized bureaucratic government. It had a very well developed communication and transportation system. It also had a powerful army and navy.
