Tokugawa Shogunate Research Paper

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Kingston Guertin Mr. Yoder 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 and isolationist ideologies brought a time of harsh leadership and oppression, it also was able to unify Japan, marking the beginning of a long period of great peace and advancement. In order to understand the Tokugawa Shogunate, it is important to understand who Tokugawa Ieyasu was and how he was able to unify Japan. Firstly, Tokugawa …show more content…
This system was thought to create a more sophisticated and proper society in Japan as well as maintaining stability and tradition. Another reform that Japan went through under the Tokugawa Shogunate was the adoption of sokoku, or the principle of isolationism. This new law was put into place in order to restrict citizens from all forms of foreign trade and communication. Due to the shogunate’s intense style of rule, the punishments were extremely harsh for those who violated this law. As seen in Ieyasu’s edict “No Japanese are permitted to go abroad”. If there is anyone who attempts to do so secretly, he must be executed” (“Edicts”). The Tokugawa Shogunate also heavily isolated Japanese and foreign religions, more specifically the ideas of Christianity. This was due to the fact that it was a Western religion that Ieyasu believed would “taint” the traditional Japanese values and pride that the Shogunate had instilled in the people of
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