This greatly weakened the sh̄ogunate. Over the next century, daimȳo clans often fought each other for power, while Ashikaga sh̄oguns became puppets controlled by different clans. During this chaotic time, vassals rebelled, farmers started uprisings and the economy suffered. Japan needed a strong leader to restore peace and order.
SOURCE6 A battle between rival samurai during the period of the warring states
SkillBuilder discussion Historical questions At various times, the Japanese emperors or sh̄oguns were puppets of other powerful figures. 1. What does the term ‘puppet’ mean in this context? 2. What advantage would there be for one person to use another person as a ‘puppet’?
9.4.4 Order on the islands The Ashikaga sh̄oguns’ prolonged rule ended in chaos, later resolved by three powerful unifiers. Oda Nobunaga, the first, used military might to dominate rival daimȳo clans. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second, ended the warring states period. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the third, established the Tokugawa sh̄ogunate in 1603. Oda Nobunaga — a ruthless military genius Oda Nobunaga, the son of a minor daimȳo from a small domain on the coast of Honsh̄u, aimed to unite Japan. After the Ashikaga sh̄ogun Yoshiteru’s murder in 1565, Oda placed Yoshiteru’s brother Yoshiaki as sh̄ogun, who served mainly as Oda’s puppet. In 1573, Yoshiaki’s rebellion against Oda failed, leading Yoshiaki to become a monk. The sh̄ogun role remained vacant for 30 years. Oda’s ruthless battles centralised power , notably crushing Buddhist opponents and using European muskets . Oda’s reign ended in 1582 with his seppuku (death by disembowelment) after he was surrounded by enemies.
TOPIC9 Japan under the sh̄oguns 223
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