There was indeed a gap but it was not really generational.

There was no shortage of youths who were vehemently and, for some, violently opposed to importing technology, science, as well as economic and political systems from overseas. Their reasons are as varied as they were.

For some, it might have threatened their status and position, causing fear that they would have no place or maybe worse, a lowered place in the new Japan to come.

For others, it was spiritually and morally repulsive to allow the adoption of imported mannerisms, religion, philosophies, etc. They feared for their traditions, culture, and legacies.

For others still, they worried about foreign encroachment, looking anxiously at foreigners that were now suddenly allowed a hand and say in matters that before would have gotten them exiled from Japan, or worse.

And on the flip side of the coin, the people spearheading and managing the Meiji Restoration were court officials, former aristocracy, and the well connected wealthy families. Essentially the epitome of a conservative class that is usually the first to oppose such sweeping changes as they have to most to lose in the uncertain times following so many political, economic and social reforms.

These unique actors and their interesting motivations, hopes, fears, and expectations are part of what make studying this time period so interesting. One could not ask for more interesting characters in such an exciting, explosive time and setting.

To summarize, there was not a clear divide between the youth and the elderly during the Meiji Restoration. In fact, the divides were almost counter intuitive to what some might expect.

People we would see as the conservative base were some of the hardest pushers of reform. Some of those who stood to gain a great deal, potentially, from a changing of the scales of Japanese society seemed to be the staunchest opposition to any reform at all.

And of course, these groups clashed, both in the political arena and literal battlefields.

Assassination attempts were not uncommon. Political intrigue was the name of the game. There were fortunes to be made, corruption to join or stamp out, growing nationalism to keep an eye on, as well as spiritual and religious strife.

An Emperor ready to retake center stage after centuries of being pushed to the sidelines, a restless warrior class that has not seen war in decades. The constant threat of foreign encroachment, always watching closely, more than willing to play different sides against each other for profit and opportunity.

Meiji Japan. Winter Revolution is coming.

Personally, I think the Meiji Restoration would give Game of Thrones a run for its money.