The Boshin War was a civil conflict in Japan that took place from 1868 to 1869. It was fought between the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those seeking to restore power to the emperor, leading to the Meiji Restoration. The war marked a significant turning point in Japanese history, as it aimed to modernize the country and end centuries of feudal rule. The conflict began with the attack on the shogunate's forces at Toba and Fushimi and included notable battles such as the Battle of Hakodate. Ultimately, the imperial forces emerged victorious, leading to the establishment of the Meiji government and significant political and social changes in Japan.