11. Social Class During the Tokugawa Shogunate Warrior-administrators Peasants Craftsmen Merchants
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Editor's Notes
Japan is an important player in modern-day geopolitics, and its unique historical development has affected the way in which Japan has participated in global events. Throughout its history, Japan has struggled to find the proper way to interact with other countries; at the same time, it has endeavored to establish its own national identity. Issues of foreign relations and national identity became important during the Shogunate period in Japan, along with challenges relating to governmental organization, social structure, and national autonomy. Though most historians characterize the Shogunate period as lasting from the mid-14th century to the mid-19th century, to fully understand developments in Shogun-era Japan, we need to begin by looking at some key events from earlier times.