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Examine the unification of Japan
12th to 16th century, Japan had temporary stand-in for emperor called the Shogun
Military governor
Ruled Japan through retainers
Retainers received political rights and large estates in exchange for military services
Emperor was a figurehead, the Shogun had actual power
Examine the unification of Japan - pt 2
Conflicting ambitions of shoguns and retainers led to constant turmoil
By 16th century, Japan was in state of civil war (sengoku)
Powerful states emerged in several regions of Japan
Military leaders brought about unification of Japan
One of them called Tokugawa Ieyasu
What role did Tokugawa Ieyasu play in this movement?
Created military government known as bakufu (tent government)
Theoretically only a temporary replacement for emperor’s rule
Principal aim: stabilize realm and prevent return of civil war
Needed to control the 260 daimyo
Daimyo
Powerful territorial lords who ruled most of Japan from vast, hereditary landholdings
Established relationships with European mariners
Learned how to manufacture and use gunpowder weapons
Maintained government staffed by military subordinates, independent militaries, judiciaries, schools, foreign relations, etc.
How did Tokugawa Ieyasu control the Daimyo?
Encouraged daimyo to spend money on lavish residences instead of military power
Subjected marriage alliances to bakufu approval
Discouraged Daimyo from seeing each other
Made them obtain permits to build their castles
How did Tokugawa Ieyasu influence Japan history?
Foreign relations restricted for 200 years
Ended civil conflict and maintained political stability
Set stage for economic growth in Japan
End of civil conflict contributed to prosperity
Yet Population growth moderate
Contraception, late marriage, abortion limited growth
Infanticide “thinning out the rice shoots”
Financial difficulties
Strained resources
How did Tokugawa Ieyasu influence Japan history? pt 2
Tokugawa Era was age of social and demographic change
End of civil disturbances created massive unemployment of daimyo and samurai warriors
Pushed people to become bureaucrats and scholarships instead
Ruling elite fell into poverty
Ieyasu played important role in unification of Japan and establishment of Tokugawa shogunate
His policies, reforms helped bring stability to Japan, facilitated significant social changes
Edo period considered one of most prosperous and culturally rich periods in Japanese history
Note 
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