Describe the foundation of the Tokugawa state, and discuss its main underpinnings.

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The Answer is The foundation of the Tokugawa state was established by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became the shogun in 1603 and founded the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. The main underpinnings of the Tokugawa state were based on a strict hierarchical social structure, a centralized government, and a policy of isolationism.

The Tokugawa state was built on the principles of Confucianism, which emphasized the importance of social order and hierarchy. The society was divided into four main classes: samurai, peasants, artisans, and merchants, with the samurai class at the top and the merchants at the bottom. This social structure was enforced through strict laws and regulations, and it was believed that each person had a specific role to play in society.

The Tokugawa state also had a highly centralized government, with power concentrated in the hands of the shogun and his advisors. The shogun had control over the daimyo, or regional lords, who were required to spend every other year in the capital city of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) as a way to keep them in check and prevent them from rebelling. This system of control helped to maintain stability and prevent internal conflict.

One of the most significant underpinnings of the Tokugawa state was its policy of isolationism, known as sakoku. This policy restricted foreign trade and contact with the outside world, with the exception of limited trade with the Dutch and Chinese. The Tokugawa government believed that isolationism would help to preserve Japanese culture and prevent foreign influence, and it also served as a way to maintain control over the population.

In conclusion, the foundation of the Tokugawa state was based on a strict social hierarchy, a centralized government, and a policy of isolationism. These underpinnings helped to maintain stability and control within the Tokugawa state, but ultimately contributed to its downfall as Japan fell behind the rest of the world in terms of technological and economic development.

Describe the Foundation of the Tokugawa State, and Discuss Its