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, administrators, 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: With greater expenses undermined economic position of Daimyo.  Led to greater importance and prosperity of merchant class.  Creates social tensions and also contributes to a disjuncture between economic power and social status.

All of the above, 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.