Tokugawa Shogunate

Question 1

Why is Ieyasu thought of as the last unifier of Japan?

Answer 1

His shogunate ended the Warring States period and gained control over the whole of Japan.

Question 2

Where did he move the capital to?

Answer 2

Edo (Tokyo)

Question 3

How did he create a centralised government?

Answer 3

By controlling the daimyo and weakening/limiting their power.

Question 4

How did he weaken and limit the power of the daimyo? (6 things)

Answer 4

1. Sankin Kotai policy - daimyo had to spend every 2nd year in Edo to pay his respects.
2. Daimyo had to leave his wife and sons in Edo when he left as hostages.
3. The cost of travelling with samurai and accommodating everyone kept personal wealth drained.
4. Number of samurai was limited.
5. Needed shogun approval to marry.
6. Not allowed to build new castles.

Question 5

How did the Tokugawa control society?

Answer 5

Through a strict feudal system

Question 6

What were the results of the strict feudal system?

Answer 6

Stable government, social order, peace and prosperity

Question 7

What happened to the samurai during this period?

Answer 7

They became government officials and had bureaucratic roles.

Question 8

What were the key political features of this period? (3 things)

Answer 8

1. Very centralised government
2. Strict feudal system
3. Tight daimyo control

Question 9

What were the key economic features of this period? (3 things)

Answer 9

1. Improved farming techniques led to healthy economy.
2. Highway networks = more trade and city connection with the provinces.
3. Merchants grew wealthy.

Question 10

What were the key social features of this period? (2 things)

Answer 10

1. Samurai became government officials.
2. Stricter feudal system.