The Tokugawa Shogunate Overview

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary role of the Shogun during the Tokugawa Shogunate?

  • To act as the figurehead emperor
  • To engage in trade with foreign nations
  • To govern the country as the sole ruler (correct)
  • To represent the samurai in battle

Which of the following best describes the social hierarchy during the Tokugawa Shogunate?

  • Emperor, Samurai, Merchants, Peasants
  • Shogun, Daimyos, Peasants, Artisans
  • Merchants, Samurai, Nobility, Commoners
  • Emperor, Shogun, Daimyos, Samurai (correct)

What was the significance of Bushido in the context of the Tokugawa period?

  • It served as the moral code for samurai behavior. (correct)
  • It was a government policy regulating trade practices.
  • It was a type of martial arts practiced by peasants.
  • It dictated the lifestyle of merchants in urban areas.

What was one of the economic conditions of Japan during the Tokugawa Shogunate?

<p>The economy was stable but generally poor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Japan's interaction with outside influences during the Tokugawa period?

<p>Foreign influences were suppressed and limited. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cultural development arose as a result of peasants fleeing to Old Edo?

<p>The rise of urban cultures and Kabuki Theater. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Tokugawa Ieyasu and what was his notable contribution?

<p>The shogun who unified Japan after defeating rival lords. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the introduction of gunpowder technology have during the Tokugawa period?

<p>It enhanced the military capabilities of rival Daimyos. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major religious belief during the Tokugawa Shogunate?

<p>Zen Buddhism focused on discipline and seeking enlightenment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the beginning of Japan's transition to modernization in the late 19th century?

<p>The arrival of Commodore Perry with armed ships. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Tokugawa Shogunate years

The period in Japanese history from 1467 to 1658, characterized by conflict among powerful landowners and warring states.

Tokugawa Ieyasu

The person who established himself as the sole ruler of Japan (shogun).

Shogun

The military leader of Japan, holding real power, while the Emperor remained a figurehead.

Daimyo

Powerful feudal lords in Japan who were vassals to the Shogun.

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Bushido

The strict code of conduct for the Samurai.

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Social Hierarchy (Japan)

A structured social order in Japan during the Tokugawa period involving the Emperor, Shogun, Daimyo, Samurai and lower social classes.

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Kabuki Theater

A highly stylized Japanese form of theater.

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Zen Buddhism

A form of Buddhism focused on discipline of body and mind, seeking enlightenment.

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Meiji Restoration

The period of rapid modernization of Japan in the mid-1800s.

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Edo (Tokyo)

The capital city of Japan during the Tokugawa Shogunate, later becoming Tokyo.

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Study Notes

The Tokugawa Shogunate

  • Marked by a period of internal conflict (1467-1658) between powerful landowning lords and warring states.
  • Shared historical parallels with Western European development, including ancient empires and medieval periods.
  • Similar to European feudal systems, including a rigid social hierarchy.
  • Characterized by significant wealth inequality.
  • Peasants were considered a lower class and were largely bound to the land.
  • A feudal system existed, with a hierarchy of power.
  • The Emperor was a figurehead, while Daimyos (feudal lords) held significant power and authority (vassals to the King).
  • Samurai, warriors (often land-owning), served the Daimyos.
  • Japan, unlike some societies, wasn't a hydraulic society, requiring strong central governance.

Tokugawa Ieyasu and Shogunate Consolidation

  • Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged as the sole ruler, defeating rival Daimyos at the Battle of Seki.
  • He became Shogun, maintaining the Emperor as a symbolic figure.
  • Established Edo (modern Tokyo) as the capital.
  • Economy remained stable, yet peasants were significantly taxed.

Social Hierarchy

  • Rigid social hierarchy, with the Emperor at the top, followed by the Shogun, then the Daimyos, Samurai, Peasants, Artisans and Merchants.
  • Peasants' heavy taxation contributed to population shifts to urban areas, particularly around Edo (Tokyo).
  • This migration supported the growth of urban cultures.

Cultural Developments

  • Kabuki theatre, a highly decorative form of theatre, emerged.
  • It was predominantly performed by men.
  • Zen Buddhism was the dominant religion, emphasizing mental and physical discipline, to achieve enlightenment (Nirvana).

Isolationism and Stagnation

  • Japan limited outside influence by suppressing Christianity and controlling trade.
  • This isolation prevented significant development until Commodore Perry's arrival in the 1850s.

The Meiji Restoration

  • Following Commodore Perry's arrival, Japan underwent rapid modernization (within a decade).
  • This resulted in the emergence of modern urban centers.
  • The Meiji Restoration period is recognized for modernization efforts.
  • Modernization led to the rise of an authoritarian political system similar to fascism.

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