key term - Ashikaga shogunate

Definition

The Ashikaga shogunate was a feudal military government in Japan that lasted from 1336 to 1573, founded by Ashikaga Takauji. This period is marked by a decline in central authority and the rise of regional power among daimyō, leading to the Sengoku period of constant warfare and fragmentation. The shogunate's governance was characterized by its reliance on the loyalty of these powerful local lords, which played a significant role in shaping Japanese society and politics during its era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ashikaga shogunate was established after Ashikaga Takauji defeated the Kamakura shogunate and took control of the government.
2. The period saw a significant cultural flourishing known as the Muromachi culture, which included developments in art, architecture, and Noh theater.
3. The shogunate struggled with internal conflicts and power struggles, especially with rival daimyō, which contributed to the onset of the Sengoku period.
4. The decline of the Ashikaga shogunate was marked by growing local power among daimyō, leading to increased warfare and fragmentation across Japan.
5. The shogunate's eventual downfall came when Oda Nobunaga began unifying Japan under his rule, effectively ending the era of feudal disarray.

Review Questions

• How did the Ashikaga shogunate influence the balance of power between regional daimyō and central authority during its rule?
  • The Ashikaga shogunate significantly altered the balance of power by decentralizing authority, which allowed regional daimyō to gain substantial autonomy. This shift weakened central control, as the shogunate relied on these local lords for military support and governance. As a result, regional powers began to challenge each other more aggressively, leading to constant conflict that defined the Sengoku period.
• Evaluate the impact of the Northern and Southern Courts conflict on the stability of the Ashikaga shogunate.
  • The conflict between the Northern and Southern Courts severely undermined the stability of the Ashikaga shogunate by creating factions within Japan that competed for legitimacy and power. The Northern Court, backed by the shogunate, often found itself at odds with loyalists to the Southern Court, resulting in prolonged civil strife. This division not only distracted from effective governance but also enabled local daimyō to assert greater independence, further eroding central authority.
• Assess how cultural developments during the Ashikaga shogunate contributed to Japan's evolution in arts and society amidst political turmoil.
  • Cultural developments during the Ashikaga shogunate played a crucial role in shaping Japanese arts and society despite ongoing political instability. The era saw significant advancements in literature, painting, and theater, particularly with Noh drama gaining prominence. These artistic expressions not only provided a form of escape from social unrest but also reflected deeper societal changes as people sought identity and cohesion through shared cultural experiences during an otherwise tumultuous time.

Related terms

Daimyō: Powerful Japanese feudal lords who ruled over large areas of land and had their own private armies, significantly influencing regional power dynamics during the Ashikaga shogunate.

Northern and Southern Courts: A conflict between two rival imperial courts during the Ashikaga period, with the Northern Court supported by the Ashikaga shogunate and the Southern Court representing the legitimate imperial line.

Sengoku period: A century-long era of social upheaval, political intrigue, and military conflict in Japan that emerged as the Ashikaga shogunate weakened, leading to the rise of individual daimyō seeking power.