| Tokugawa Shogunate Outline |
| Student Handouts > World History > Edo Japan (Tokugawa) > Edo Japan Outlines & PowerPoints |
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Click here to print this outline on a single page. Click here to print a version spread over four pages, with ample space for students to take notes. Outline: The Tokugawa Period in Japan (1603–1868) I. Introduction to the Tokugawa Period A. Also known as the Edo Period B. Began in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun C. Ended in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration D. Period of peace, stability, and isolation after centuries of civil war II. Political Structure and Rule A. Tokugawa Shogunate established a centralized feudal system B. Emperor remained a figurehead; real power held by the shogun C. Daimyo (feudal lords) controlled domains but were closely monitored 1. Alternate attendance (sankin-kotai) system required daimyo to spend every other year in Edo D. Strict social hierarchy: 1. Samurai 2. Farmers 3. Artisans 4. Merchants (lowest, despite growing wealth) III. Social and Economic Developments A. Long period of peace promoted economic growth B. Development of roads, trade networks, and cities like Edo (Tokyo), Osaka, and Kyoto C. Rise of a wealthy merchant class D. Cultural flourishing, especially in urban areas 1. Kabuki theater 2. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints 3. Haiku poetry IV. Isolationist Foreign Policy (Sakoku) A. Japan closed to most foreign influence from 1630s B. Limited trade with Dutch and Chinese through Nagasaki C. Christianity banned and persecuted D. Helped maintain stability and control over outside ideas V. Decline and Fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate A. Growing internal pressures—economic hardship for samurai, unrest among lower classes B. Arrival of Commodore Perry (1853) and forced opening of Japan to foreign trade C. Unequal treaties weakened the shogunate D. Movement to restore imperial rule gained momentum E. 1868: Meiji Restoration marks end of Tokugawa rule and beginning of modernization VI. Conclusion A. Tokugawa period was a time of internal peace, cultural development, and rigid social control B. Isolation allowed Japan to preserve traditions but delayed modernization C. Its legacy continues to shape Japanese society and culture today |
| Student Handouts > World History > Edo Japan (Tokugawa) > Edo Japan Outlines & PowerPoints |
