6.1 Establishment of Tokugawa rule and social hierarchy
3 min read•july 24, 2024
The Tokugawa shogunate, established in 1603, marked a new era in Japanese history. After winning the , secured power through clever land redistribution, marriage alliances, and the alternate attendance system.
The shogunate maintained control through a rigid social hierarchy and various methods. These included the , restrictions on castle building, and economic controls. The limited foreign influence, helping preserve Tokugawa power for over 250 years.
Tokugawa Shogunate Establishment
Establishment of Tokugawa shogunate
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- Battle of Sekigahara (1600) decisively secured Tokugawa Ieyasu's victory over rival coalition marking the beginning of Tokugawa hegemony
- Appointment as shogun in 1603 granted by Emperor Go-Yōzei officially established Tokugawa shogunate in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) solidifying political legitimacy
- Land redistribution rewarded loyal daimyo with strategic territories while relocating potential rivals to less advantageous regions (Kaga, Satsuma)
- Alternate attendance system () required daimyo to maintain residences in Edo and enforced regular travel between domains and capital draining resources and preventing rebellion
- Marriage alliances strengthened ties with powerful families (Tokugawa-Maeda, Tokugawa-Asano) securing loyalty through kinship bonds
- monopoly on key government positions ensured centralized control and family dominance
- Codification of laws and regulations through (Laws for the Military Houses) established clear rules for daimyo behavior and governance limiting autonomy
Tokugawa Social Structure
Structure of Tokugawa social hierarchy
- (four-class structure) rigidly organized society based on Confucian principles
- (shi) warrior class at the top of the hierarchy transitioned to administrators and bureaucrats in peacetime receiving stipends from daimyo or shogunate
- (nō) ranked second in social hierarchy as primary food producers paid taxes in the form of rice ()
- (kō) skilled craftsmen and manufacturers lived primarily in urban areas (Edo, Osaka) contributing to material culture
- (shō) ranked lowest in the official hierarchy despite often being wealthy engaged in trade and commerce (Mitsui, Sumitomo families)
- and (outcast groups) existed below the four main classes performed tasks considered impure or unclean (leather working, execution)
- Restrictions on social mobility enforced through hereditary class system limited opportunities for changing status maintaining social order
Control methods of Tokugawa shogunate
- Hostage system (sankin-kōtai) required daimyo families to reside in Edo ensuring loyalty and preventing rebellion through constant surveillance
- Restrictions on castle building and repair limited daimyo's military capabilities preventing fortification of domains
- Control of foreign relations through Sakoku (closed country) policy limited foreign trade to designated ports (Nagasaki) minimizing external influences
- Surveillance and spy networks monitored daimyo activities and potential threats through (official inspectors) and (secret police)
- Economic controls standardized currency and weights regulated trade between domains maintaining shogunate's economic dominance
- Ideological control promoted emphasizing loyalty and social order reinforcing political stability
- Strict regulation of travel required travel permits for crossing domain boundaries limiting movement and information exchange
- implemented through (katanagari) to disarm peasants restricted weapon ownership to samurai class preventing uprisings
- Strategic placement of Tokugawa family members in key domains and government positions (, ) ensured widespread control
- Divide and rule tactics encouraged competition and mistrust among daimyo (tozama and fudai distinctions) preventing unified opposition
Key Terms to Review (25)
Artisans: Artisans are skilled workers who create or craft goods by hand, often specializing in a particular trade or craft. Their work encompasses a variety of fields, including textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and woodworking, playing a crucial role in the economy and culture. Artisans were especially important during the Tokugawa period as they contributed to both the social hierarchy and economic reforms by producing high-quality goods and fostering local industries.
Battle of Sekigahara: The Battle of Sekigahara, fought on October 21, 1600, was a decisive conflict that established Tokugawa Ieyasu as the dominant power in Japan, leading to the unification of the country under Tokugawa rule. This battle marked the end of the Sengoku period and set the stage for over 250 years of relative peace and stability during the Edo period, while also solidifying a rigid social hierarchy that prioritized samurai and their roles within society.
Buke shohatto: Buke shohatto refers to the set of laws established by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century, aimed at regulating the behavior and conduct of the samurai class. These laws were designed to reinforce the social hierarchy established by Tokugawa rule, ensuring that the samurai maintained their status while also addressing concerns about loyalty and order within the new regime. By codifying expectations for samurai behavior, buke shohatto played a crucial role in stabilizing Tokugawa governance and promoting peace during a period marked by centuries of conflict.
Daimyo: Daimyo were powerful feudal lords in Japan during the medieval and early modern periods, who held large estates and commanded private armies of samurai. They played a crucial role in the political and social landscape of Japan, particularly during the establishment of Tokugawa rule, which centralized authority and organized society into a rigid hierarchy.
Edo Period: The Edo Period, also known as the Tokugawa Period, was a time in Japanese history from 1603 to 1868 when the Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan. This era is characterized by economic growth, urbanization, and a strict social hierarchy, along with cultural and intellectual advancements influenced by Neo-Confucianism and the flourishing of ukiyo-e art.
Eta: The term 'eta' refers to a social class in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868) that was considered to be outside the traditional four-tiered social hierarchy. Members of the eta class were often associated with occupations considered impure, such as leatherworking and butchering, and they faced severe discrimination and social stigma. This status reflected the rigid caste system established during Tokugawa rule, which aimed to maintain social order and stability in Japan.
Gosanke: Gosanke refers to the three prestigious branches of the Tokugawa clan that played a significant role in Japan's political landscape during the Edo period. These branches, namely the Matsudaira, the Hotta, and the Takeda, were given special status and privileges within the samurai hierarchy, acting as key allies of the Tokugawa shogunate. Their prominence contributed to the establishment of a stable governance structure and social order in Japan.
Gosankyo: Gosankyo refers to the three noble houses that emerged during the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan, specifically the Matsudaira, the Tokugawa, and the Honda families. These families were critical to the establishment and maintenance of Tokugawa rule, serving as the primary power brokers within the feudal system, which influenced the social hierarchy and governance of Japan during this period. Their roles in supporting the shogunate not only solidified their status but also shaped the political landscape of early modern Japan.
Hinin: Hinin were a marginalized social group in Japan during the Edo period, often considered outside the four main classes of the Tokugawa social hierarchy. They were typically associated with occupations deemed 'unclean,' such as executioners, beggars, and those involved in certain trades. Their status placed them in a unique position where they had few rights and were often subject to discrimination, reflecting the strict social stratification established under Tokugawa rule.
Hostage system: The hostage system was a political strategy used during the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan, where daimyō (feudal lords) were required to leave their families in Edo (now Tokyo) as virtual hostages while they returned to their own domains. This system served to ensure loyalty and reduce the risk of rebellion, solidifying the Tokugawa's control over Japan's feudal structure and contributing to the stability of their rule.
Koku System: The koku system was a traditional Japanese unit of measurement used during the Edo period to assess rice production, with one koku equivalent to the amount of rice needed to feed one person for a year. This system not only indicated agricultural productivity but also played a significant role in determining wealth and social status within the emerging Tokugawa hierarchy, as land and its output were crucial for economic stability and power.
Merchants: Merchants are individuals or groups engaged in the trade of goods and services, playing a crucial role in the economy by facilitating commerce and the flow of resources. During historical periods, especially under specific governance structures, merchants influenced not just economic conditions but also social hierarchies and political power. Their position in society often reflected broader trends in economic growth and state regulation, which shaped their status and interactions with other classes.
Metsuke: Metsuke refers to the surveillance and monitoring system established during the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan, aimed at ensuring social order and political stability. This system was primarily implemented through a network of spies and informants, who reported on the activities of various social classes, particularly the samurai and the daimyōs. Metsuke played a crucial role in reinforcing the strict social hierarchy and maintaining control over the population, which was essential for the Tokugawa regime's centralized authority.
Neo-Confucianism: Neo-Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system that emerged during the Song Dynasty in China, which sought to reinterpret and revitalize Confucian thought by incorporating elements of Buddhism and Daoism. This movement became influential in Japan during the Tokugawa period, shaping social hierarchies and cultural developments, particularly in education, governance, and the arts.
Oniwaban: Oniwaban were covert agents or spies during the Edo period of Japan, primarily serving the Tokugawa shogunate. They played a crucial role in maintaining the stability of Tokugawa rule by gathering intelligence, monitoring political dissidents, and ensuring the security of the shogunate. Their activities highlighted the importance of espionage in a time when information was key to power and control.
Peasants: Peasants were the agricultural laborers who formed the backbone of rural society in Japan during the Tokugawa period, primarily engaged in farming and producing food for themselves and the ruling classes. Their role was pivotal in maintaining the economic stability of the Tokugawa shogunate, as they supported the social hierarchy by providing essential resources while often facing heavy taxation and limited rights.
Rice Economy: The rice economy refers to the agricultural system in Japan that heavily relied on rice cultivation as its staple crop, serving as the foundation of the country’s agrarian society and economic structure. This dependence on rice not only shaped agricultural practices but also influenced social hierarchies, land ownership, taxation systems, and overall political stability during the Tokugawa period.
Sakoku Policy: The Sakoku policy was a national isolation policy implemented by Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868) that restricted foreign influence and trade. This policy aimed to protect Japan from outside powers, particularly European countries, and maintain internal stability by limiting interactions primarily to a select few trading partners. The implementation of sakoku established a framework for governance that reinforced the social hierarchy and centralized authority within Japan.
Samurai: The samurai were a class of highly skilled warriors in feudal Japan, known for their code of honor, martial arts expertise, and loyalty to their lords. As the military nobility of Japan, they played a crucial role in the establishment of social structures and governance during the Tokugawa period, as well as influencing social and economic reforms and responding to external threats like the Mongol invasions.
Sankin-kōtai: Sankin-kōtai was a policy instituted during the Tokugawa shogunate that required daimyo (feudal lords) to alternate their residence between their domains and Edo (now Tokyo) every other year. This practice was not only a way to keep the daimyo under control and limit their power but also played a significant role in the establishment of social hierarchy and stability during the Tokugawa period.
Shi-nō-kō-shō system: The shi-nō-kō-shō system was a hierarchical social structure established during the Tokugawa period in Japan, categorizing society into four main classes: samurai (shi), farmers (nō), artisans (kō), and merchants (shō). This rigid system aimed to maintain social order and stability, emphasizing the importance of each class's role in society, with the samurai at the top and merchants at the bottom, reflecting Confucian ideals of social harmony and loyalty.
Sword Hunt: The Sword Hunt refers to a series of policies implemented during the early Tokugawa period in Japan that aimed to confiscate weapons from the general populace, particularly from farmers and non-samurai classes. This initiative was crucial for consolidating power under the Tokugawa shogunate, ensuring that only samurai were allowed to possess swords, which reinforced the social hierarchy and maintained order in a time of political stability and peace.
Tokugawa Clan: The Tokugawa Clan was a powerful Japanese family that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868, establishing a period known as the Edo period. The clan's rise to power marked the beginning of a long-lasting military government called the shogunate, which significantly influenced Japan’s political, social, and economic structures while enforcing strict social hierarchy and isolationist policies.
Tokugawa Ieyasu: Tokugawa Ieyasu was a Japanese daimyo and the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. He is a pivotal figure in Japanese history for establishing a centralized feudal government that enforced a strict social hierarchy and brought stability after years of civil war. His leadership marked the beginning of a period characterized by isolation from foreign influence and significant cultural development.
Weapons Control: Weapons control refers to the restrictions and regulations imposed on the ownership, distribution, and usage of weapons within a society. In the context of the establishment of Tokugawa rule in Japan, it played a vital role in shaping the social hierarchy and maintaining peace by limiting access to firearms and swords, which were crucial for maintaining order and preventing uprisings.