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Early History of Japan. Pages 393-395 = Your responsibility. Pages 395 on, we will discuss today. Japanese Feudalism. During the 1100s, turmoil rocked Japan. Strong warrior knights, called samurai , waged fierce battles to control the land. New system of government emerged: feudalism
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Pages 393-395 = Your responsibility.Pages 395 on, we will discuss today.
Japanese Feudalism • During the 1100s, turmoil rocked Japan. • Strong warrior knights, called samurai, waged fierce battles to control the land. • New system of government emerged: feudalism • Feudalism: local lords rule the land, but were bound to higher lords and to the emperor by ties of loyalty. • 1192—Emperor becomes a figurehead, having no political power. • Grant strong military figure in Japan the title of shogun, or chief general of the army. • Commands army of samurai • In theory, shogun commanded complete loyalty of his lords • In practice, samurai lords fought one another for power & land
Achieving Unity • Japan had been divided and feudal until the late 1500s when a series of warrior landowners managed to gain power • Eventually, power comes to Tokugawa family, who created a military gov’t (bakufu) • 1600—Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes shogun • Next 268 years—Tokugawa bakufu= main gov’t of Japan • Wasn’t much for centralization of power. Instead, brought the great samurai, now called daimyo, under their control. • Samurai entitled to annual salary from daimyo called a “stipend,” essentially paying them off to ensure they didn’t become restless • Peace is achieved. Tokugawa Ieyasu
Issues with Feudalism • Central bakufu had trouble controlling more powerful daimyo, who built up their strength due to control of local resources. • Samurai a “rough and tumble” group. Gang wars. • Tokugawa bakufualready on the ropes when two devastating events occur: • Opium Wars (China v. Great Britain) • Arrival of Matthew Perry in 1853
OMG MATTHEW PERRY?!? …not that Matthew Perry.
Opium Wars (1839-1842) • China just suffered a humliating defeat at the hands of Western powers • Europeans forced China to give them special trade privileges • This served as a wake up call to see dominant power in the region fall so easily. Civil WWII Vietnam Revolutionary 1900 WWI 1800 2000 1700
Arrival of Matthew Perry • Matthew Perry =American naval officer • 1853—Perry arrive in Japan • Wants Japan to open up to trade • Tokugawa bakufuinfamous for unfriendly policies toward foreigners • Western Christians that stepped foot in Japan put to death • Perry & Americans force Japan to sign trade treaties similar to treaties signed by China after Opium Wars Civil WWII Vietnam Revolutionary 1900 WWI 1800 2000 1700
Result? • Further motivated the daimyo & samurai, who were already ready to give the Tokugawa the boot. • Nationalism ensues. • Forced Japan to unify itself and develop one of the most modern states in the world.