Land-based Sea Empire unit 4 Japan 1450-1750 Land-based Sea Empire unit 4

Japan as an example Japan is a great example of the complexity of empires during this period. It exhibits most of the characteristics of land-based empires but has a few twists that make it unique.

Rise of the tokugawa Japan went through a major warring period during period 3 (600 – 1450). Japanese had gunpowder, so their civil wars were very damaging. Tokugawa comes out as the top general in the country and becomes Shogun, or military leader of the country. The emperor is still the figurehead of the country throughout the period.

Rise of the tokugawa Tokugawa Ieyasui and later members of his family feared outside influence by Europeans. Therefore, he took the following steps: 1. removal of all foreign Christians 2. removal of all foreigners 3. Japanese Christians were forced to recant their faith or die. 4. foreign trade was banned except for the british and the Dutch at one island 5. books and knowledge, as long as they weren’t Christian, were allowed.

Rise of the tokugawa The Tokugawa also feared their own people and wanted order and control.

Tokugawa politics The shogun of japan ultimately had power and was obsessed with order and control. tHe shogun moved the capital of japan to edo (Tokyo) to consolidate his power there. Guns were outlawed, and only samurai were allowed to own swords. Samurai were completely in control of the military but under the rule of the shogun. The shogun consolidated his power in edo (edo castle). Other cities were commercial and administrative centers as well, but they were all subservient to edo.

Tokugawa politics TDaimyo, the warrior administrators, were in charge of the government under the shogun. Daimyo were forced to live part of the year in edo and leave their families there as hostages. This promoted cultural and ideological assimilation and less change of rebellion against the shogun. taxation, especially of peasants and farmers was extremely high since administrative costs were high.

Tokugawa politics Administrative costs were high, maintenance of the military was difficult, and communication across the island was a constant barrier. There were too many samurai, so over time they became paid bureaucrats instead of warriors, led to rebellions by those who felt they should follow the old Buddhist, rather than newer Confucian, ways.

Tokugawa economics Japan is a land-based empire on the sea Trade intensified due to globalization, but since japan was mostly closed to European trade, most of the trade was with china and other Asian countries, like Korea. Silver was mined to produce coins and pay China for goods, moving people from the countryside to mining areas. Agriculture increased with the use of fertilizer, and with the building of infrastructure, specialized crops grown for market became common. Farmers were very heavily taxed, so many sold their labor to others or migrated to cities looking for jobs.

Tokugawa economics Merchants became very wealthy over time, but because of Confucian values they were looked down upon. By the end of this period they have better status due to a need by the aristocracy for their wealth. Most people’s lives improved economically during the period, but many revolts due to poverty, inequality, and famines occurred. Cities and commercial centers grew rapidly – edo was drained of swampland to create commercial and entertainment areas. Unlike farmers, trade was lightly taxed

Tokugawa economics Japan realized the importance of its land. Deforestation was prevented through the active replacement of trees. Doubling of population and increased need for agriculture supported by night soil campaign. Infrastructure was built to move agricultural and commercial goods across the nation.

Tokugawa society Population growth expanded during the period due to increased agricultural production. Cities became castle towns that exemplified shogun/aristocratic power and influence. Elite entertainment became mainstream due to the wealth of merchants and a more urban population. Kabuki, haiku, noh theatre, wood-block printing all arts supported by the wealth created by trade.

Tokugawa society In reaction to the foreign Christian presence, Buddhism became heavily promoted throughout japan. Zen Buddhism important All Japanese must periodically register at Buddhist temples Confucian social stratification gains more ground during this period

Tokugawa society Japan has a mixed reaction to foreign influence. Still heavily influenced by China. Some western influence due to books being imported - Japan very literate for the time period (45%) of men literate. Medical texts very desired. Due to isolation from outside world, technology stagnates during this period, putting japan at a disadvantage in the next time period.