Early Modern Japan (1450-1750) Flashcards
Tokugawa (Japan) Use of Gunpowder Weapons to Centralize
The use of guns and cannons was how the Tokugawa family won over Japan, and outlawed them to be used by anybody else. Kept foreigners out so normal people couldn’t get gunpowder weapons. Only group who was allowed was with the Dutch at the southernmost port of Nagasaki. Also forbade foreign books from landing on shores so Daimyo didn’t get examples on how to build guns.
Tokugawa (Japan) methods of Centralization
Suppress the nobles and rule Japan through the emperor, who was as figure head, but leader of the Shinto religion. Attempted to create a professional military by using salaried samurai so they don’t rebel or betray them. In Bakufu (central government in Edo), it was about loyalty work, and financial contribution that get you into the government. Also isolate themselves from most everyone. Daimyos are controlled through “alternate attendance” at Edo, where they are required to live in a city for a year to keep them broke because of the expenses every other year.
Impact of Columbian Exchange on Japan
Brought a lot of wealth from the merchants. Since they were isolated they didn’t benefit or have many hardships other than the increase of Christianity missionaries that converted some Japanese people. Their trade with Dutch was their only contact with Europe, becoming significant in intellectual life since it was the only contact with the rest of the world. Schools of astronomy and medicine flourished.
Japanese Resistance to European Conquest
They isolated themselves from most other countries besides Asia and the Dutch. The Tokugawa Shoganate immediately looked to get rid of Christianity since it was a threat to the Bakufu government and Japanese culture. Tokugawa shoguns expel European, and force them to step on images of Jesus as a public declaration of giving up faith, or they are executed. This is known as the Fumie.
Japan and the International silver Trade
Because of the Tokugawa Shogunate, trade became more prominent, causing merchants to have more money than daimyos. There was silver flooding, so many daimyos couldn’t keep up with inflation due to silver trade. Sake and silk prices go up while rice prices stay the same, making merchants a higher vantage point. Also carefully restrict trade with asia, making a lot of silver come in
Peasant Labor in Japan
Japan loved peasants since they were the ones that produced things, just like in China. They need the peasants’ labor and farming since they cannot survive without them. However, they are broke because nobles raise taxes to ease inflation for themselves.
Christianity in Early Modern Japan
Heavily frowned upon since it was seen as a threat to the Japanese government. The daimyo, however, want European allies to establish trade and military alliances to gain guns, causing some 300,000 Japanese people to convert. Jesuit missionaries introduced it in the mid 1500s from Portugal. After Nagasaki had become the “Rome of Japan”, 26 missionaries were executed and started the persecution against Christians. The Tokugawa Shogunate expel Europeans, just like in China during the Ming empire. Site of Shimabara rebellion, from (1637-1638), is where christian peasants and samurai rebel against taxes and persecution. The fumie was heavily enforced every year, killing many christians who refused to step on the bronze images of Christ.
New Merchant Elite in Japan
Rise of New Merchant Elite
Merchants are at an advantage because they have the production and distribution of sake and other luxury goods. Samurai are in debt to them since they have to sell their uniforms. Can purchase titles and marry into nobility like in Europe. Since they have the money, noble families are willing to marry them into the family to have more wealth.
New Merchant Elite in Japan
Entertainment for Merchants
Their entertainment was a mix of Shinto ideals of nature and ancestors, with confucianism and buddhism. Had Kabuku plays with singing, dancing, and elaborate staging. Had Floating worlds, with teahouses theaters, brothels, public baths, which was an escape from rigid Tokugawa life when at night. Had Bunraku, puppet theatre, as well as Haiku poetry.
Feudal Elite in Japan
Feudal Noble Elite Power Prior to Tokugawa
It was complete Chaos. Emperor was used as a figure head while Shoguns were actually controlling the country. Constantly trying to control nobles since they are a threat to their land, a reason why samurai are very important. Some nobles called Daimyos establish control over large regions of Japan as the Shogunate lost power. They use cannons and guns from Europeans to take control.
Feudal Elite in Japan
Feudal Noble Elite Loss of Power
Tokugawa Shoganate takes over from 1600’s-1867. Gains guns and cannons to stabilize Japan and prevent civil wars between shoguns and Daimyos. Suppress the nobles and attempt to establish a professional military. Keep the Emperor since he is the leader of the Shinto religion.
