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Cracks In the Foundation

Changes Within Japan and the Expansionist Threat From Outside

Changes Within Japan


Japans feudal society, which had been
established by the shogun in times of
conflict and poverty, was becoming
outdated.
No matter how hard the shogunate
discouraged change, they could not stop
the clock.

The Class System in Upheaval

Toward the end of the Edo period, merchants gained wealth


and power because more people needed their services.

They were in charge of storing rice and converting it into cash


or credits. They also lent out money when everyone needed
loans.

Peasants needed money to pay their high taxes.

Due to alternate attendance and road construction costs,


many daimyo were nearing bankruptcy.

There was little work for samurai anyone, and many were too
proud to take other jobs.

The Japanese people needed someone to blame- often it was


the shogun and his extravagant officials.

People claimed the Tokugawa clan held power illegally, and


that their power rightfully belonged to the emperor.

Disasters and Hard Times


In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Japan was
struck by many natural disasters that brought
about famine and took many lives.
1/3 of the population died of starvation.
Land was deserted as peasants fled to the cities,
looking for work, but often not finding any.
Rice became so scarce that its price rose steeply.
City dwellers rioted over price increases and
attacked homes of the wealthy.
The people were not satisfied by the shogunates
responses to these issues and problems.

The Expansionist Threat From Outside

By the early 1800s, several nations were knocking


on Japans door.

Russia, England, and the U.S were strongly


requesting trade, or at least water and coal for
their passing ships.

In 1825, the shogunate responded with the No


Second Thought Expulsion Order.

This order gave all persons on hand the right to


fire on and drive off incoming foreign ships!

If foreigners forced their way ashore, people were


encouraged to capture them and incarcerate
them!

Japanese nationalism was being threatened!

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