Shogun
Topic: Paths to Modernisation: Japan, China, Korea · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Paths to Modernisation"
Meaning
The shogun was the military ruler of Japan. From the 12th century, shoguns held the real power while ruling in the name of the emperor. The emperor stayed on the throne but had little political control. The last line of shoguns was the Tokugawa family. They ruled from Edo from 1603 until 1867, when the shogun was removed. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 then brought power back to the emperor.
Example
The Tokugawa shoguns controlled more than 250 domains, the main cities and the mines from their seat at Edo. In 1868 the last Tokugawa shogun was pushed out, and the young Meiji emperor was brought to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo.
Don't confuse with
- Emperor: The emperor was the sacred head of Japan, believed to descend from the Sun Goddess. The shogun was the military ruler who actually governed until 1867.