The Iwakura Mission, dispatched by Japan in…

The Iwakura Mission, dispatched by Japan in 1871, travels the world in order to renegotiate the unequal treaties with the United States and European countries that Japan had been forced into during the Tokugawa shogunate, and to gather information on western social and economic systems, in order to effect the modernization of Japan.

Renegotiation of the unequal treaties is universally unsuccessful, but close observation of the American and European systems inspire members on their return to bring about modernization initiatives in Japan.

Prominent reforms of the Meiji government include the 1871 abolition of the domain system, by which the feudal domains and their hereditary rulers are replaced by prefectures with governors appointed by the emperor.

Others include the introduction of compulsory schooling and the abolition of Confucian class distinctions.

A Japanese ministry of education is set up the same year to try to provide universal education.