PSCI 3574: Government and Politics of Japan Study Guide for First Part of the Course Week 2: shogunate (12) there was a period of brutal wars followed by unification, a system called shogunate or bakufu, military houses power of government in hands of shogun 3 great shogunates - 1) The Minamoto lasted 200 years; 2) The Ashikaga - 1392-1573; 3) Most famous, Tokugawa 1603-1868 Meiji Restoration: (18, 19) 1868-1912,45 years. (Iook@ notes) Was a major turning point, redefmed political system Reinstated imperial system, minimal p'ower It was the end to the shogunate powers Elders bought about this change, emperor was being used by factions on how to reform Japan Emperor = figurehead, a symbol of national sovereignty, political authority Emperor Mutsuhito issued charter oath = commitment to social change & political modernization Centralization would prove to be the most important political consequence of the Meiji reforms Key social changes made by the Meiji Restoration (19)...