Before revision: Although the zaibatsu played an important role in the Japanese economy from the 1868 to 1945 , they increased in number and importance following the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and Japan's subsequent attempt to conquer East Asia and the Pacific Rim during the inter-war period and World War II.
After revision: Although the zaibatsu played an important role in the Japanese economy beginning in 1868 , they increased in number and importance following the Russo-Japanese War, World War I, and Japan's subsequent attempt to conquer East Asia and the Pacific Rim during the inter-war period and World War II.