How did Japan react when it was forced to accept unequal treaties?

When Japan was forced to accept unequal treaties in the mid-19th century, it initially reacted with anger and humiliation, as these agreements granted extraterritorial rights to foreign powers and undermined Japan's sovereignty. This experience sparked a sense of urgency for modernization and reform, leading to the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Japan sought to strengthen its military and economy to renegotiate the treaties and assert itself on the global stage. Ultimately, this drive for modernization allowed Japan to emerge as a formidable world power by the early 20th century.