How much progress had Japan made by 1872?

Answer 1

By 1872, Japan had made significant strides in its modernization efforts following the Meiji Restoration of 1868. The government had begun implementing reforms that transformed the economy, military, and education system, including the establishment of a new conscript army and the introduction of compulsory education. Infrastructure improvements, such as the development of railways and telegraph lines, were also underway, facilitating communication and commerce. Overall, these changes marked Japan's shift from a feudal society towards a more industrialized and centralized nation.