Japan - The Shoguns

The Shoguns Imelda Aprilia GunawanGrade 11

26th August 2010

Definition

• Shogun: Military leader but became a symbol of military control over the country. Must not forget the possibility of war.

• Samurai: The art of sword mastery. Also a title given to people who practice the art and is capable of using it.

• Shogunate: Millitary government (bakufu) or tent government.

The History• The rule of Fujiwaras ended in 1185.• Debate between the Taira (Heike) and the

Minamoto (Genji).• Minamoto – gained support from warriors.• 1185 – Minamoto defeated the Taira.

KYOTO

Minamoto Yoritomo Taira

The Kamakura Shogunate

• Pledged loyalty to the emperor.

• Shogun or commander in chief – real ruler of Japan.

• Set up a shogunate• Took control of

government tasks• Ran country estates• Replaced the nobles as

supporters of the arts.

The Tokugawa Shogunate

• 1199 – Yoritomo died, his shogunate weakened.

• 1600 – Tokugawa Ieyasu took over.

• The village of Edo (Tokyo) was the centre of Tokugawa rule.

• Divided people by classes; warriors, artisans (make and prepare utensils), merchants (traders) and peasants (workers).

The Warriors

• Political power was held by warriors.

• Under the emperor and shogun were lords called daimyo.

• The daimyo secured the services of the warrior-retainers.

• The warriors were called samurai.

The Modern Period

• US forced Japan to end its period of isolation, the shogunate weakened.

• 1903 – Keiki / Yoshinobu died.

References

• http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/JapanShoguns.htm

• Tsunoda Ryusaku,Sources of Japanese Tradition, 1985, Columbia University Press, New York.