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Medieval Japan

  • Jan 1, 1159

    Taira - Minamoto wars

    The Taira and Minamoto clans fought against each other for control of Kyoto and influence over the former emperor Go-Shirakawa and Emperor Nijo.
    SIGNIFICANCE: End of Imperial control
  • Period: Jan 1, 1180 to Dec 31, 1185

    Yoshitomo rebel against Taira

    Minamoto Yoshitomo’s sons, Yoritomoand Yoshitune, hatched a plot to overthrow Taira Kiyomiri. They led a rebellion (revolt) against the Taira clan that quickly spread across Japan; and in 1185 they finally defeated Kiyomiri in a naval battle off the coast of Kyushu. SIGNIFICANCE: Beginning of KAMAKURU BAKUFUYoshitomo rebel against Taira
  • Period: Jan 1, 1185 to Jan 1, 1336

    Kamikara Bakufu

    Kamikara Bakufu. First Shogunate
  • Jan 1, 1192

    Emperor Go-Shirakawa died.

    Emperor Go-Shirakawa died.. Yoshitomo Yoritomo consolidates power. Takes title of SHOGUN
    SIGNIFICANCE: Beginning of almost 700 years of Shogunate rule
  • Jan 1, 1215

    Mongols conquer China

    Mongols now looking for more lands to conquer!
  • Jan 1, 1274

    Mongos first invasion

    Mongols' first invasion. Serious threat to independence of Japan.
    SIGNIFICANCE: Mongols defeat begins Myth of "Divine Wind."
  • Jan 1, 1281

    Mongol Second Invasion

    Kublai Khan sent another bigger fleet to Japan. Once again, though, the Japanese were saved by a huge typhoon.
    SIGNIFICANCE: Consolidates "Divine Wind" myth but undermines costs undermins rule of Yoshimoto Shoguns
  • Jan 1, 1336

    Ashikaga Period

    The Kamakura bakufu raised taxes to fund their campaigns against the Mongols and improve Japan’s defences. Many Japanese resented the heavy financial burden causedby these new taxes and rebellions spread throughoutthe country. Ashikaga Takauji, a general of the Kamakura bakufu, overthrew the shogun and formed his own bakufu.
    SIGNIFICANCE: New dynasty of Shoguns but Imperial line unaffected
  • Period: Jan 1, 1336 to Jan 1, 1534

    Ashikaga Bakufu

    Ashikaga Bakufu. Second Shogunate