Final answer:
Saigo Takamori led the Satsuma Rebellion in an attempt to restore the traditional Tokugawa dictatorship and oppose the modernization and centralization of power during the Meiji Restoration, but was defeated by the Imperial Japanese Army.
Step-by-step explanation:
Revival Attempt of the Tokugawa Dictatorship
In response to the question of who tried to revive the traditional Tokugawa dictatorship and what he did, the key figure is Saigo Takamori, a leading samurai from Satsuma, who felt the modernization of Japan was betraying their traditional values.
Despite Japan's efforts to modernize during the Meiji Restoration, Saigo Takamori led the Satsuma Rebellion in 1876, aiming to restore the power and influence of the samurai class and oppose the centralization of authority under the Emperor. This rebellion was a direct challenge to the reforms that dismantled the traditional samurai hierarchy and introduced a universal military draft.
The rebellion culminated in a short civil war against the newly-formed Imperial Japanese Army. Despite Takamori's leadership and the dedication of his samurai forces, they were decisively defeated, marking the end of attempts to revive the tokugawa shogunate and the feudal system it represented. This event highlighted the irreversible changes occurring in Japan and the country's commitment to embrace modernization and a centralized imperial government.
Overall, the Meiji Restoration continued, and Japan's industrialization accelerated, leading it to become a significant world player. Saigo Takamori's actions are remembered in history, with his stance holding a romantic appeal for those who lament the loss of traditional Japanese ways.