Tokugawa Ieyasu Research Paper

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Tokugawa Ieyasu, a Japanese warlord, victor of Japan’s civil war and the shogun of Japan in the early 16th century. Ieyasu “established his own alternate dynasty, and built a new capital…Edo (now Tokyo) (82).” Ieyasu did not challenge the emperors, for the shoguns held most of the power. During Ieyasu’s rein he issued a lot of decrees that provided the warrior and lower classes with the expectations and rules they should follow. Tokugawa provided a decree to the warrior class: a list of rules and expectations the daimyo, lesser lords and samurai should meet. The decree impacted the warrior class mainly socially. The warrior class was expected to be as skilled academically as they were at “military arts (83).” Also, all addictions were forbidden: gambling, sex and drinking; however, one was allowed to indulge in these activities in moderation. Conversely, domain intermingling was forbidden, for it was seen as “[divulging one’s] secrets to …show more content…

The Edict of 1863, ordered by Ieyasu led to the isolation of Japan from the world. Japanese ships and residents were “forbidden to leave for foreign nations (85)”; thus, ships and people found in foreign nations were impounded and executed. Also, any foreign ships that did not follow the shoguns rules were guarded heavenly; ships with the exception of the Chinese were expected to arrive by “twentieth day of the ninth month… [Or] depart within fifty days of their arrival (85).” However, all ships were searched for followers of “padres (85).” In order for citizens purchase goods from foreign ships, “a list of the merchandise… [must be] sent to Edo [first] (85),” so the price of the goods may be settled. Christianity was banned as well, so if any place was known to being teaching Christianity, the establishment was subjected to a thorough investigation. Conversely, if anyone reported any Christians, they were