“Pulling a Meiji” is an AH fan term that refers to when a country (usually a non-western Asian or African one) undergoes a process similar to the Meiji Period of OTL, in which it industrializes and modernizes rapidly, to the point where it becomes a (usually) Westernized and European-style power (as was the case with OTL Japan).
It is sometimes considered a cliche to have a nation “pull a Meiji”, particularly when it involves radical cultural and society upheavals undertaken without an apparent explanation. While this type of POD can serve as a useful means of allowing a particular nation to close the technological gap with early modern and industrial Europe, it is sometimes difficult to actually apply. Japan's modernization was possible due to a number of very specific, complex and arguably unique conditions that were present there at the time of the Meiji restoration.
Plausibility check: Industrialized Minoans ?
Why did Japan modernise and China and Korea didn't ?
WI: Industrial revolution takes place in China a century earlier than in OTL
Discussion on whether other Asian countries (including Korea) could pull a Meiji
Industrial revolution in Song China
Industrial revolution in China
How effectively could Korea do a Meiji ?
Challenge: East Asian "Enlightenment"
Industrial revolution In India
Challenge: Bengal Renaissance Leads to Industrialization
Challenge: Western-style 'Englightenment' era in the Middle East
Challenge: Islamic Industrial Revolution
Could any other African states have "pulled an Abyssinia/Ethiopia"
Native American Industrial Revolution
WI: Industrialised Pre-Columbians ?
Challenge: American Indians "pull a Meiji"
Mercantilism or Free Trade for Industrialization ?
Is "Pulling an Meiji" truly unique ?
Know of any PODs or POD discussions ? Feel free to add them.