• Doyotomi Hideyoshi is the most important leader of Japan who controlled Japan over 1500-1750.

• As soon as Doyotomi became the Leader of the Japan, He investigated all the land and personal properties and let people concentrate on its own work. During this process, Lots of Daimyo and aristocrats lost their land because those are illegal. Their land confiscated by the Government and they were angry about it and plan to rebel. However, Doyotomi turn this anger to attack Korea and China by persuading them with necessity of International trade.

• First of all, Doyotomi was a son of samurai. After 1558, Doyotomi was working for Oda Nobunaga who took control of the japan. Oda Nobunaga died by rebel, Doyotomi revenged and become the one of the most powerful leader of Japan.

At that time Japan was begin to trade with Portuguese and japans’ economy was strong enough to conquer another country, however, at that time Japan was not strongest country in Asia. Thus, Hideyoshi himself accepted the war could not be won after last battle at so-chon. (City of China)

 

6 Initial Questions for Japan of 1500 - 1750

At that time, samurai was warriors loyal to daimyo and artisans were made swords and armor for the samurai class. Also on the usual samurai was much curried than artisans. The true samurai was supposed to have no fear to death. Thus, samurai and artisans are very different.

6 Initial Questions for Japan of 1500 - 1750

At that time Japan was begin to trade with Portuguese and japans’ economy was strong enough to conquer another country, however, at that time Japan was not strongest country in Asia. Thus, Hideyoshi himself accepted the war could not be won after last battle at so-chon. (City of China)

6 Initial Questions for Japan of 1500 - 1750

Before, Dokugawa conquered the Japan, they did active trade with Europe. However, as Edo shogunate control the Japan, Europe could not do active trade with Japan. Because, Edo shogunate made a strict policy of seclusion for stop spread of Christian. The reason of Edo shogun did not want Christian is their thinking is opposed with Edo's basic rule. But, there was a Europe country that could trade with Japan in Edo era. That was Netherlands. Netherlands made deal with Japan that they will not bring Christianity into Japan. Therefore, In 16th century through 18th century, Japan did not have direct problem with Western but they did not contact with Western country by using a policy of seclusion.

6 Initial Questions for Japan of 1500 - 1750

Highest- Emperor: In Japan, emperor is higher than any other peoples. However, as shogun ate occurred they lost actual political power.Shogun: They are actual leader of Japan. All of power, economy, etc.... are depends on Shogun's hand. Many great general fought to be a shogun.Large landowners- DaimyoWarriors loyal to Daimyo –Samurai Peasants - WorkersMerchants - Lowest level but gradually get powerArtisans –made swords and tools for samurai