Major Chronological Periods

"WARRING STATES" c. 1467 - c. 1568
 

TOKUGAWA BAKUFU 1600-1868

(SHOGUNATE)
 

MEIJI RESTORATION 1868
 

Social Hierarchies

Emperor DIVINE. Source of political legitimacy.
 

Shogun Technically a military commander. From 1603, the TOKUGAWAS became the de facto rulers of Japan.
 

Daimyo Overlords. Tokugawas largest, obtain pledge of loyalty from all other Daimyos after 1600, battle of SEKIGAHARA.
 

Other Samurai Traditionally Warriors owing loyalty to their overlord. Increasingly becoming administrators. Source of much unrest.
 

Commoners Merchants, artisans, and peasants.
 
 
 

The Tokugawa System and Causes of Social and Political Crisis

Samurai settled in Castle Towns: loss of samurai warrior function, adminsitrators, loss of loyalty. Also promoted urbanization and consequent importance of merchants, contributed to the growth of a market economy, peasants producing for a market, etc. Undermining of feudal hierarchies.
 

Alternate Attendance System: expense, lead to greater importance and prosperity of merchant class, create social tensions and also contribute to a disjuncture between economic power and social status.
 

Make alternative visions of the social and political order more attractive.
 

Events leading to the Meiji Restoration

Commodore Perry's first visit 1853
 

Two schools of thought regarding response: KAIKOKU (open door) and JOI (expel foreigners).
 

"Friendship" Treaty 1854
 

Harris and other "Unequal Treaties" 1858
 

Assassination of Ii Naosuke 1860
 

Satsuma - Choshu Alliance 1866
 
 
 

MEIJI RESTORATION Jan 3, 1868

proclaims end of Tokugawa regime.