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Nov 15, 1185
Japanese Feudalism
Similar to the European system. The shogun (King) ruled the country through the samurai (knights) and the daimyo (nobles). Peasents farmed the land in order to be protected by the samurai. Organized in a rigid social class. Went until 1868 -
Tokugawa Shogunate
The feudal military dictatorship in Japan until 1868. Known as the Edo period. -
Commodore Matthew Perry
He played a role in the opening of japan to the West. The Father od the Steam Navy. Japan opened in 1854. -
Meiji Restoration
Where the Tokugawa era ended. The emperor Meji made Tokyo the new capital in Japan. He became imperialistic again. Political power was transfered from the Tokugawa Bakufu to the samurai. Lasted until 1912. -
Japanese TerritorialExpansion
From 1914-1915. Economic expansion was a need for raw materials/colonies. Britain as econ force in China after WW I consolidates territory/diplomatic prestige. Japan takes over Manchuria to prevent “Russian threat” -
Great Depression
Japan recovers relatively quickly from Depression; Military
leaders, backed by extreme nationalists, gain power;
Militarism. Want to “free Asian nations from European imperialists;” also seek to gain raw materials for industry -
Hiroshima
By 1945, Japan was losing ground; Dropping of atomic bombs
helps to hasten end of war -
Postwar Reforms
Goes from 1945-1952. US occupies Japan/directs reforms; new constitution gives women the same rights as men; ends militarism (during Cold War, US calls for Japan to rearm for its own defense); maintains some aspects of traditional culture; emperor stripped of divinity but maintains figurehead status
(instrument for implementation of change); recovered
economic productivity/political stability; US depends on
Japanese to implement reforms; gov’t/military purges; break
up of zaibutsu -
Economic Miracle
1950s-1990s. Rapid recovery from WW II; becomes world economic power through business; 1970s oil crisis