The Satsuma Rebellion was a major uprising in Japan that took place in 1877. It was led by Saigo Takamori, a former samurai and influential figure in the Meiji Restoration. The rebellion arose from discontent among the samurai class due to the government's modernization efforts, which diminished their status and privileges. The conflict began in the Satsuma region, where disaffected samurai rallied against the central government. Despite initial successes, the rebellion was ultimately crushed by the imperial army. The defeat marked the end of the samurai era and solidified the power of the Meiji government in Japan.