During the 1600s and 1700s, countries around the world developed powerful governments—but they didn’t all look the same. In Europe, absolute monarchs like Louis XIV of France used royal authority to control society, build armies, and expand territory. In Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate also created a strong central government, but instead of expanding outward, it focused on keeping the country united and free from foreign influence. Although their goals were different, both systems used strict control to maintain power.

Feudal Society and the Role of Daimyo

In Tokugawa Japan, real power was held by the shogun, a military ruler who governed in the emperor’s name. The country was divided into regions controlled by daimyo, powerful landowning nobles. Each daimyo ruled their own area and had their own army of samurai, but they were expected to be loyal to the shogun.

       

To keep control, the shogunate used a system called feudalism, where land was exchanged for loyalty and service. Daimyo were required to spend every other year living in the capital, Edo (now Tokyo), so the shogun could keep an eye on them. Their families were kept in Edo full-time as a way to ensure obedience. This system helped the shogun reduce the chances of rebellion and maintain central control.

Tokugawa Isolation Policy

Unlike many European monarchs, the Tokugawa shoguns were not interested in exploration or building overseas empires. In fact, they feared that foreign influence—especially from European missionaries and traders—could weaken their control. In the 1630s, Japan adopted an isolation policy known as sakoku, which means “closed country.” Under sakoku, most foreign trade was banned, and Japanese people were forbidden from leaving the country. Only a few Dutch and Chinese traders were allowed to enter at one port, Nagasaki, under very strict rules. Christianity was banned, and contact with Europeans was nearly eliminated. The goal was to protect Japan’s traditional culture, prevent foreign influence, and keep power in the hands of the shogunate.

Comparison to European Monarchies

       

While the Tokugawa Shogunate and European monarchies both had centralized governments and strict control over society, their approaches were different. European monarchs used absolute power to expand territory, fight wars, and gain wealth through trade and colonization. In contrast, the Tokugawa Shogunate used its power to keep the country stable, united, and closed off from outside threats. Both systems relied on strict social hierarchies. In Europe, monarchs controlled nobles through military force and political power. In Japan, the shogun managed the daimyo through social rules, family hostages, and travel restrictions. In both places, rulers believed that strict order was the key to strong leadership.

Why It Matters

By comparing Japan’s feudal structure and isolation policy to European absolutism, we can see how different governments used power to shape their societies. Whether building empires or keeping outsiders away, rulers in both regions used control and structure to protect their authority and define national identity.

Source: The Tokugawa Shogunate and European Monarchies
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