Tokugawa Shogunate Research Paper

Words: 522
Pages: 3
Open Document
The Tokugawa Shogunate, also known as the Edo period, was a time of strict class restrictions in Japan. During this era, society was organized into a strict hierarchy known as the "Four divisions of society" - samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants. Each class had specific roles and responsibilities, and movement between classes was highly restricted.

At the top of the social hierarchy were the samurai, who were the warrior class responsible for defending the shogunate. They enjoyed high status and privileges, such as being allowed to carry two swords and having the right to kill anyone who disrespected them. Samurai were expected to live a life of honor, loyalty, and discipline, and were often employed by the shogunate to maintain order …show more content…
Artisans were highly respected for their expertise and craftsmanship, but they were still considered lower than the samurai and farmers in terms of social status. Artisans were organized into guilds, which regulated their professions and ensured quality standards.

At the bottom of the social hierarchy were the merchants, who were considered the lowest class in Japanese society. Merchants were seen as unproductive members of society, as they did not produce any goods themselves but rather profited from buying and selling them. Merchants were heavily taxed and had restrictions placed on their activities, such as being barred from wearing certain types of clothing or traveling at certain times.

Movement between classes was strictly regulated in the Tokugawa Shogunate. Each class was required to wear specific clothing and hairstyles to indicate their social status, and intermarriage between classes was prohibited. Mobility was further restricted by laws that prohibited social climbing and enforced rigid social roles. The shogunate placed a heavy emphasis on maintaining social order and stability, which meant that any attempts to disrupt the social hierarchy were quickly
Show More

Related Documents: Tokugawa Shogunate Research Paper

Tokugawa Shogunate Research Paper

AP World History Mar 23 2024 The Tokugawa Shogunate enters into the time of Feudal Japan where honor means everything, history is changed, and the Tokugawa Shogunate reigns supreme over all. Before the Tokugawa Shogunate took control over Japan in 1603, Japan was fractured; ruled by the wealthy feudal clans in the country. This led to a period of civil unrest and conflict that ravaged throughout Japan, reeking havoc and causing countless deaths. Although the Tokugawa Shogunate’s use of militaristic…

Words 1449 - Pages 6

Taisho Research Paper

Introduction The radical shift in attitudes of Japanese society during the culmination of Meiji era and the dawn of the Taisho period “was characterized by a diminishing influence of the traditional authorities […] and more by open attitudes towards the West” (Tanaka). During the Taisho period (1912-1926 CE), western pop culture, persisting from the Meiji era, filtered through to the Japanese people and more and more progressive ideas began to take shape; notions like feminism, or even democracy…

Words 3593 - Pages 15