The Japanese Imperial Army was the ground-based military force of the Empire of Japan, established in 1868. It played a significant role in Japan's modernization and expansion during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, participating in conflicts such as the First Sino-Japanese War and World War II. The army was known for its strict discipline and emphasis on loyalty to the Emperor. After Japan's defeat in World War II, the army was disbanded in 1945, leading to the establishment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in 1954, which operates under a pacifist constitution.