What caused the unity of Japanese Shogun to fall apart?
1 Answer
The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled by monopolizing military force. One way was to limit weapons innovation. When other countries showed up with much superior weapons they lost influence.
Explanation:
The role of the Shogun evolved over time. The Diamyo class (wealthy landlords) began to compete to become a ruler under the Emperor. The Emperor stayed for many years in his Palace in Kyoto and did not govern. Shoguns were individuals who through politics and force of arms managed to unify the country under an individual. Before the Tokugawa Shogunate this was not hereditary. Each Shogun rose to power by his own ability. That power ended on his death.
The Tokugawa Shoguns were Hereditary. Starting in 1600 CE they solidified the social order into Japanese Feudalism. The first Tokugawa Shogun laid out a plan for this orderly society. Part of this plan was to ban the use of firearms. What firearms there were, were tightly controlled by the Shogun. This limited firearms innovation.
When Admiral Perry came to the Japanese shores demanding open trading with America he did so with greatly superior military technology. Japan was well aware of the destruction of China caused by this technology and chose not to fight. The Shogun could no longer defend the country and he and the military class lost influence and were eventually overthrown.
The Meiji led transition to an modern industrialized nation and empire shattered the feudal system.
