1. Japan Under the Shogun
The Edo Period 1600s-1868

2. Unlimited Power in Feudal Japan
Feudal Japan was ruled by the Emperor, who was believed to be divine, and whose rule was passed down through the family
However, during the Edo Period, the real power was held by the Shogun.
The Military Government controlled by the Shogun, was called the Shogunate

3. Unifying Japan
P. 284

4. Social Status & Structure
With the Daimyo’s under the control of the Shogun, the only other issues was the people
Social structure was setup similar to that of Medieval Europe or Aztec Society: A rigid social hierarchy based on elitism and heredity.

6. Emperor Mostly a figure head during Edo Society
Even though at the top of the Hierarchy had very little actual power

7. Shogun Japanese Military Leader & actual ruler of Japan
During Edo Japan the most well know Shogun was Tokugawa Ieyasu

8. Daimyo Wealthy and powerful land owners
Land ownership was passed down to children
Similar to a Lord in Renn. Europe.

9. Samurai Professional paid warriors of the military
equivalent to Knights in Europe
Served either the Shogun or Daimyo
Were forbidden from being involved in trade or business
Followed a Samurai code that dictated how they lived their lives

10. Peasants/Farmers/Fishers
Important because they produced what everyone needed to survive
Considered important because they produced food that sustained society
Lived under many restrictions – such as not being able to leave their district

11. Artisans Highly skilled artists
High quality paper, clocks, pans, porcelains, containers, etc.
Because they relied on Farmers and others for resources, they were lower in the Hierarchy

12. Merchants Brought items from artisans to trade or sell
At the bottom because they did not actually produce what they sold
Acted as Bankers

13. Women Always subservient to men
Duties depended on class they were born into
Could not own property

14. Outcasts /Eta People shunned by other classes
Usually worked with death, like butchers or tanners
Usually those with mental or physical disabilities
Lived apart from the rest of society

15. Over to you
Compare the Feudal Hierarchy of Japan to that of Medieval Europe and Aztec society. What similarities and differences do you see between these hierarchies?