1868

• The Meiji Emperor declares the Meiji Restoration of direct Imperial rule over Japan setting off the brief Boshin Civil War between pro-Imperial forces and forces loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate before the shogun surrenders in May. The last pro-shogunate forces would be defeated the following year, clearing the way for Japan's modernization.
• In the sensational Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson, "radical" Republicans in the US Congress engineer the first and only impeachment of a US president when Johnson attempts to dismiss War Secretary Edwin Stanton without Congressional authorization, but Congress falls one vote short of conviction when seven Republicans cross party lines.
• The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution is ratified, guaranteeing all citizens "equal protection of the laws"
• The University of California is founded.
• English author Wilkie Collins publishes his novel The Moonstone, often said to be the first detective story in the English language.
• Louisa May Alcott publishes her novel Little Women.

These people were born in 1868:

• Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
• American composer Scott Joplin.

These people died in 1868:

• American trapper and scout Kit Carson.
• Japanese vigilante Kondo Isami, beheaded for his support of the shogunate.

1867 - 1868 - 1869

19th century

This is a collaboratively edited writeup. You are encouraged to assimilate and supersede it.