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Period: Jan 1, 1368 to
Ming Dynasty
Reign of the Ming Emperors. During this time, the centralized government and the power of the Emperor grew. It was the most autocratic Chinese dynasty, similar to the rule and power of the European monarchies. -
Period: Jan 1, 1467 to Jan 1, 1573
Sengoku Period
A period of constant warfare. Due to the absence of a central government, feudal lords competed for power. In contrast to Europe, there was no central government. However, it was parallel to Europe as there was conflict between the Catholics and Protestants during this time. -
Jan 1, 1478
Beginning of the Spanish Inquisition
The pope (Sixtus IV) allows Ferdinand and Isabella to establish a special branch of the Inquisition in Spain. It was believed that the Jews masquerading as Christians were a danger to the Church. -
Period: Jan 1, 1478 to
Spanish Inquisition Period
The period of the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition led by Ferdinand and Isabella with the goal of uniting Spain. This is parallel to the expulsion of Christians in Japan, officially banning Christianity in 1614. Similarly, the Japanese government was suspicious of the foreign Christians, and did not want to be influenced badly. -
Jan 1, 1492
Expulsion of Jews
In 1492, Torquemada persuades Ferdinand and Isabella to expel all Jews unwilling to convert to Christianity from Spain. -
Jan 1, 1543
St. Francis Xavier arrives in Japan
The Jesuits are accepted by the samurai and daimyo, and are able to spread Christianity. It shows the beginning of interaction between Japan and Europe, especially Portugal. In fact, Portuguese influence still remains in Japan today; for example, ¨tempura,¨ a dish of fried fish, is derived from the Portuguese word ¨temporas,¨ which means meatless Friday. -
Period: to
Edo Period
A 265-year period of peace, a stable central government, and economic growth. Parallel to Spain's golden age and France's growth under the rule of Louis XIV. -
The Act of Seclusion is passed
The Tokugawa shogunate bans Japan from trading with other countries and cuts all foreign relations with Japan. Only the Dutch are allowed to keep a small port on Nagasaki, in southern Japan. Japan does not interact with the rest of Europe, or the world, for approximately 200 years. -
Period: to
Qing Dynasty
Reign of Qing Emperors. This dynasty was the time of the Opium Wars with Britain, the Sino-Japanese war, and the Boxer Rebellion. This is similar to the infighting between Britain, Spain, and France in the War of the Spanish Succession. -
Period: to
Opium Wars
The Opium Wars were wars over the trade of Opium into China by Britain. This resulted in the loss of Hong Kong to Britain and the prohibition of the drug in China. Similar to the recreational use of Opium by Britain in the Victorian times, resulting in the restriction by the government.
