Tokugawa Shogunate, c. 1600 to 1868
Around 1600s to mid 1800s → although japan was ruled by emperor → power lay in the hands of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Under the Shogunate’s Rule → Japan was an [agrarian](# “one where the majority of economic activities revolves around cultivation of crops”) society → organized in a strict hierarchy. During that time → Japan was also quite isolated from the rest of the world → with very few foreigners allowed into the country.
Order of Precedency: Emperor → Shogun: military leader of japan → Daimyo: powerful lords who owned large amounts of land or ruled over a particular area → samurai: military class in pre-Meiji japan → Peasants → Artisans → Merchants.
Meiji Period, 1868 - 1912
throughout 1800s → prior to Meiji period → Japan had seen the powerful European nations taking advantage of china because of its political instability.
- European powers → forced china to sign unfair treaties → which gave them access to and control over Chinese treaty ports. Japan → viewed these developments with concerns.
By 1850s → Japan had itself encountered US technological might → when ships from US navy → sailed into Tokyo bay.
- United states → demanded Japan sign treaties which would give it more opportunities for trade. → Japan recognized that US was willing to use force to ensure signing of the treaties and gave in.
1868 → Shogun lost his power and emperor Meiji took control of the government. with this → Meiji Period started. → was an era of modernization in Japan with major political, Economic, and Social changes that would set stage for eventual failure of democracy in Japan. Changes Under Meiji Japan (Meiji Restoration)
Challenges for Japan, 1912 - 1932
Challenges for Japan, 1912-1932
Rise of Military Influence in the Government
Rise of Military Influence in the Government