Feudal Japan
11th Grade/ Modern World History
Unit IV Instructional Objective: 1116.3
Standards: The Decline of Feudal Japan and the Tokugawa Shogunate 1603-1868
Objectives: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Japanese Feudal structure
and society (IO: 1116.3) and use their knowledge of Medieval England (IO: 1106.2) to
compare both Feudal societies.
Vocabulary/ Concepts:
Samurai
Daimyo
Shogun Bushido
Daimyo
Sepuku
Shinto
Buddhism
Warm-Up: Students will answer 3 questions as a warm-up to analyze the feudal society
as it developed in Japan.
1. Who ruled feudal Japan in the 1600’s?
2. Explain why the Samurai became the most powerful class in Japan.
3. What happened to the power of the Emperor?
Discussion:
Students will be able to identify emerging rulers of the Tokugawa Shogunate and
understand how the Samurai class transformed Feudal Japan. Questions will be asked
about Medieval England regarding Social Hierarchy and Religion which developed
independently but at the same time, to access student’s previous knowledge and compare
similarities of these two feudal systems.
Lecture:
I.
Emergence of Tokugawa Shogunate as Central Government: 1603
A. Samurai Leader (Shogun) now rules Japan (1603-1651)
B. Bakuhan System: shared power with Daimyo class (Landowners)
C. Emperor looses Political Power; oversees Religious Duties
II.
Consolidation of Power and Social Structure of Feudal Japan: 1650-1750
A. Shogun imposes duties on Daimyo: Bakufu Laws
B. Japanese Feudal Society, Religion, reinforced by Samurai class
C. Shogunate prohibits Western Influence (Religion) and Trade
III.
Decline of the Tokugawa Shogunate: 1750-1850
A. Social Changes: Samurai’s Role: Warrior to Civil Servant
B. Commercial Market: Rise of Urban Centers and Trade
C. Wealthy Merchants (Commoners) challenge status of Daimyo, Shogun
D. End of Isolationism: pressures of U.S. Commodore Perry, 1853