1. Edo Japan: A Closed Society
Chapter 14
Edo Japan: A Closed Society

2. Locking Out the World New ways of Belief and Thoughts
Shogun felt that Christians were a threat to his power and society as a whole
By 1614 Christian missionaries had to leave the country
By 1640 many thousands of Japanese Christians were put to death
Converted Ronin and peasants were defiant

3. Locking out the World Cutting off Contact
Shogun though Isolation laws were necessary for Japan’s safety:
All missionaries and traders were forced to leave
Japanese not allowed to go abroad
All large voyage ships destroyed
Japanese outside the country forbidden to return
Foreign objects forbidden
Scientific and Christian books banned
Disobedience was punishable by death

4. Locking out the World Exceptions to Exclusion Laws
Dutch traders the only ones allowed inside Japan (but not their families)
Required to make a 3 month trip to Edo once a year (cost lots of $$)
Small number of Japanese allowed to learn Dutch medicine and language; they were known as Dutch Scholars
Maintaining Rule in Japan
Shogun determined to prove both his rule and Japan were strong!!

5. Change Within Isolation
Attitudes Towards Change
Very little change in society between because of the ideals Japanese lived by
Peace safety & security
Harmony & respect-everyone had their place
Enjoyment of arts, sports and crafts
Life was controlled by very ridged rules, people not encouraged to think for themselves
Shogun effective at maintaining discipline due to harsh punishments

6. Change Within Isolation
A Booming Economy
Farmers increased production by irrigation and growing two crops in one season
Road improvements from Daimyo helped increase trade
Population increase in urban centers
Silver and gold introduced as money
Setbacks
Little Foreign trade
Peasants still heavily overtaxed
Rice was still used as currency

7. Change Within Isolation
A golden age of Culture
During this age of peace the arts were able to flourish, Japan still practices some of these traditions which came about in the Edo period
The Floating Worlds
Cultural activities took place in the floating worlds
Rules in Tokugawa society were relaxed
Merchants money more important than Samurai status
Shogun disapproved of KABUKI and discouraged Samurai from spending money. As a result the entertainment was closely monitored but never shut down.

8. Cracks in the Foundation
Changes within Japan
Feudal system is breaking down, many daimio facing bankruptcy. Peasants still forced to pay high taxes which they needed loans for
The ________ emerged as a very wealthy class of people
Everyone looked for someone to blame for economic disaster

9. Cracks in the Foundation
Expansionist Threat form Outside
Early 1800’s other nations were knocking on Japans door, especially the USA
Japan passed the ‘No second thoughts Expulsion Order’
Foreigners were shot at and imprisoned, ships within striking distance were sunk
America’s geography and economic situation were such that trade with Japan was accessible and profitable