In 1853, Samurai changed forever. It all happened when massive steamships from the US Navy imposed a broader commerce system, on the previously strict system. That system, isolationism, kept the Japanese from socializing with the western half of the world. And thus, with the strict system abolished, the Samurai were exposed to a different side of the world.

From then on, the Samurai and the Japanese navy were modernized. In 1855 a naval training school was brought about in Nagasaki. There, you guessed it, they learned about western ways of life. Of course, this also brought upon the future onset of westernized and foreign educated leaders. By 1867 the Japanese Navy possessed 8 western style steamships; soon the armies were heavily modernized as well.

Of course, this also brings us to another point, in 1967 the Japanese saw an end to Traditional Samurai, and this was also around the time of the Boshin War. In late 19th century around 1968, another change occurred that pretty much brought an end to Samurai. You see, previously Samurai were the only armed forces in Japan. Emperor Meji abolished this however in favor of a more westernized army of course. The right for a Samurai to wear a Katana or other weapon was also abolished, as well as the right to attack any commoner who disrespected them.

As well, Samurai were no longer really Samurai; their name was even changed to Shizoku in 1873. Sadly, Samurai were simply nonexistent; they had no longer a high status or fame. It was official in the 19th century, that Samurai no longer walked the streets of Japan. In place of them, was a more westernized army. Later on along the lines, in 1943 to be exact, the name Shizoku, a last shred of Samurai spirit, also disappeared.