Feudal Japan In The Middle Of The 19th Century

In the middle of the 19th century, feudal Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate began to crumble due to multiple factors including unrest from the peasant class of society (Samurai and Bushido). What finally broke down feudal Japan was the entry of western civilizations and forces into Japan. The U.S. navy, led by Commodore Matthew C. Perry went to Japan as an attempt to get the Tokugawa to open their doors and have relations with the western world (Samurai and Bushido). In 1858, Japan opened itself up to the world by signing a commercial treaty with the United States, and analogous treaties with multiple countries including Russia and Britain followed (Samurai and Bushido). As society was not used to Japan being an open civilization again, many samurai were unhappy with the decision and they encouraged a restoration for the power of the emperor. The Choshu and Satsuma clans joined forces to successfully take down the Tokugawa Shogunate. An imperial restoration for Emperor Meiji was announced in 1868, and the end of feudalism followed in 1871 (Samurai and Bushido). It was ironic that the restoration was the idea of the samurai, as they were the ones who were now lower in society and did not have privileges like wearing swords
The implementation of feudalism in Japan completely changed the class system in society, as the aristocracy from the Heian period was taken away and the warriors rose to the top. Since the social structure changed, the warriors at the top of the feudal system became the most emphasized figures in society. The shogun himself needed to authorize a person if they wished to have the title of “Samurai”. Also, the samurai received the privilege of wearing two swords instead of one as a symbol of their high class ranking. Lastly, the feudal ruler in Japan’s decisions led to the closing of Japan which shut down all trade relations and traveling