Final answer:
The Meiji leader in Japan faced several financial problems in 1871, including taxation of stipends given to daimyo and samurai and the distribution of stipends as government bonds. The government also abolished class distinctions, which affected the privileges of the samurai. Some samurai rebelled, but were defeated by the new national government forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1871, the Meiji leader in Japan faced several financial problems. One of the major issues was the government's decision to make the stipends given to daimyo and samurai subject to taxation, starting in 1873. This caused a significant decrease in the income of these former feudal lords and warriors. Additionally, in 1876, the government changed the distribution of stipends to government bonds, which further affected the financial stability of the daimyo and samurai. The Meiji government also abolished class distinctions, which meant that the samurai lost their privileges and were no longer allowed to wear swords. These changes led to resistance and uprisings from some samurai, but they were ultimately defeated by the new national government forces.