Bakumatsu

Quick Facts: Who was Bakumatsu?

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Bakumatsu

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The turbulent final years of the Edo period, marked by foreign pressure and regime collapse.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Bakumatsu (幕末; Japanese pronunciation: [ba.kɯ.ma.tsɯ], 'end of the bakufu') were the final years of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate ended. Between 1853 and 1867, under foreign diplomatic and military pressure, Japan ended its isolationist foreign policy known as sakoku and changed from a feudal Tokugawa shogunate to the modern empire of the Meiji government. The major ideological-political divide during this period was between the pro-imperial nationalists called ishin shishi and the shogunate forces, which included the elite shinsengumi swordsmen. Although these two groups were the most visible powers, many other factions attempted to use the chaos of bakumatsu to seize personal power. Furthermore, there were two other main driving forces for dissent: first, growing resentment on the part of the tozama daimyō (or outside lords), and second, growing anti-Western sentiment following the arrival of Matthew C. Perry.

Career & Major Achievements

The first related to those lords whose predecessors had fought against Tokugawa forces at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, after which they had been permanently excluded from all powerful positions within the shogunate. The second was to be expressed in the phrase sonnō jōi, or "revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians". The turning point of the Bakumatsu was during the Boshin War and the Battle of Toba–Fushimi when pro-shogunate forces were defeated. Frictions with foreign shipping led Japan to take defensive actions from the beginning of the 19th century. Western ships were increasing their presence around Japan due to whaling activities and the trade with China.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

They were hoping for Japan to become a base for supply or at least a place where shipwrecks could receive assistance. The incident in Nagasaki Harbour where the Royal Navy frigate HMS Phaeton demanded supplies from the harbour chief in 1808 shocked the Tokugawa government, who ordered the ports to be even more tightly guarded. In 1825, the Edict to expel foreigners at all cost (異国船無二念打払令, Ikokusen Muninen Uchiharairei; "Don't think twice" policy) was issued by the shogunate, prohibiting any contacts with foreigners; it remained in place until 1842. Meanwhile, Japan endeavoured to learn about foreign sciences through rangaku ("Western studies"). To reinforce Japan's capability to carry on the orders to repel Westerners, some such as the Nagasaki-based Takashima Shūhan managed to obtain weapons through the Dutch at Dejima, such as field guns, mortars and firearms.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1600: 1600 Milestone — The first related to those lords whose predecessors had fought against Tokugawa forces at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, after which they had been permanently excluded from all powerful positions within the shogunate.
2. 1808: 1808 Milestone — The incident in Nagasaki Harbour where the Royal Navy frigate HMS Phaeton demanded supplies from the harbour chief in 1808 shocked the Tokugawa government, who ordered the ports to be even more tightly guarded.
3. 1825: 1825 Milestone — In 1825, the Edict to expel foreigners at all cost (異国船無二念打払令, Ikokusen Muninen Uchiharairei; "Don't think twice" policy) was issued by the shogunate, prohibiting any contacts with foreigners; it remained in place until 1842.
4. 1853: 1853 Milestone — Between 1853 and 1867, under foreign diplomatic and military pressure, Japan ended its isolationist foreign policy known as sakoku and changed from a feudal Tokugawa shogunate to the modern empire of the Meiji government.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Bakumatsu

True or False: “Did the Tokugawa shogunate immediately adopt Western military technology after Commodore Perry's arrival?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, there was significant debate between adopting foreign techniques and relying on traditional Japanese methods.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Abe Masakatsu — Historical peer (Died in 1600) (1600): Japanese samurai of the Abe clan who served Tokugawa Ieyasu and gained significant status.
• Ankokuji Ekei — Historical peer (Died in 1600) (1600): Military monk and diplomat who served the Mōri and Toyotomi clans during turbulent Japanese history.
• Andrew Johnson — Historical peer (Born in 1808) (1808): 17th U.S. President, known for his role in Reconstruction and subsequent impeachment.
• Caroline Chisholm — Historical peer (Born in 1808) (1808): Pioneering Australian humanitarian known for supporting immigrant women and families.
• A. P. Hill — Historical peer (Born in 1825) (1825): Confederate general who distinguished himself in the American Civil War.
• Adelaide Anne Procter — Historical peer (Born in 1825) (1825): English poet and philanthropist known for her work on poverty and faith.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bakumatsu