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• 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 bakufu already on the ropes when two devastating events occur:

1. Opium Wars (China v. Great Britain)2. Arrival of Matthew Perry in 1853

OMG MATTHEW PERRY?!?

…not that Matthew Perry.

This 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.

1700 20001800 1900Revolutionary Civil WWI WWII Vietnam

Arrival of Matthew Perry

1700 20001800 1900Revolutionary Civil WWI WWII Vietnam

• Matthew Perry = American naval officer• 1853—Perry arrive in Japan• Wants Japan to open up to trade

• Tokugawa bakufu infamous 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

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.