What event marked the start of the process of centralization and industrialization in Japan?

The Meiji Restoration is recognized as the pivotal event that initiated the process of centralization and industrialization in Japan. This period, beginning in 1868, involved a significant transformation of Japanese society, politics, and economy. The Meiji leaders sought to consolidate power and modernize Japan to compete with Western powers and avoid the fate of other Asian nations that were colonized.

During this time, Japan adopted Western technologies and industrial practices, reforming its political system from a feudal structure to a more centralized and bureaucratic government. The focus was on building infrastructure, such as railroads and telegraph systems, fostering industrial growth, and promoting education. This marked a significant shift in Japan's trajectory, leading to rapid economic development and embracing more modern societal norms.

In contrast, the other events listed do not directly relate to the onset of Japan's centralization and industrialization. The Taiping Rebellion was primarily a Chinese civil war that impacted China's social and political landscape but is not tied to Japan's modernization efforts. The Sino-Japanese War, while significant for Japan's military modernization, came after the initial phases of the Meiji Restoration and was a result of Japan's newfound strength rather than the beginning of its industrialization. The Opium Wars mainly