Bakufu

Definition

Bakufu refers to the military government or shogunate in Japan that ruled during the feudal period, particularly from the 12th to the 19th centuries. This system was characterized by a dual government structure, where the emperor held a symbolic role while real power resided with the shogun and their administration. The bakufu played a crucial role in shaping Japanese political history, especially during the Tokugawa period, which greatly influenced culture and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bakufu was established during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) with Minamoto no Yoritomo being the first shogun, marking the beginning of military rule in Japan.
2. Throughout its history, there were several bakufu systems, with the most notable being the Kamakura, Ashikaga, and Tokugawa bakufu, each having unique impacts on Japanese society.
3. The Tokugawa bakufu (1603-1868) is particularly significant because it enforced peace and stability in Japan for over 250 years, leading to cultural growth and development.
4. The bakufu maintained control through a complex system of vassalage, where samurai served as loyal warriors in exchange for land and stipends.
5. Despite its power, the bakufu faced challenges such as internal strife among samurai clans, which eventually contributed to its decline in the 19th century during the Meiji Restoration.

Review Questions

• What role did the bakufu play in shaping the political landscape of feudal Japan?
  • The bakufu established a military government structure that effectively centralized power under the shogun while relegating the emperor to a symbolic position. This dual governance allowed for stability and control over Japan's feudal lords and samurai class. By maintaining a balance of power through vassal relationships, the bakufu shaped political alliances and conflicts that defined Japanese governance for centuries.
• Analyze how the Tokugawa bakufu influenced cultural development in Japan during its rule.
  • The Tokugawa bakufu promoted peace and stability which allowed for cultural flourishing in Japan. This era saw advancements in arts such as ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), kabuki theater, and haiku poetry. The shogunate's policies also encouraged commerce and urbanization, leading to a vibrant culture that emphasized traditional values while incorporating new ideas. Such cultural developments laid the groundwork for modern Japanese identity.
• Evaluate the factors that led to the decline of the bakufu system in the 19th century and its implications for Japan's future.
  • The decline of the bakufu system was driven by internal strife among samurai clans, economic challenges, and external pressures from Western powers seeking trade. These factors weakened central authority and fueled discontent among various social classes. The eventual overthrow of the Tokugawa bakufu during the Meiji Restoration marked a significant turning point that transitioned Japan from a feudal society to a modern nation-state, reshaping its political landscape and cultural identity.

Related terms

Shogun: The military commander and de facto ruler of Japan during the feudal period, who held power over the bakufu and its operations.

Samurai: The warrior class in Japan that served under the bakufu and upheld the values of loyalty, honor, and martial skill.

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent in Japan during the bakufu period, characterized by land ownership and vassalage relationships between lords and vassals.