Samurai History
The samurai were the main warriors of pre-industrial Japan, providing leadership with a fighting force and protection. Unlike other military organizations, the samurai were highly hierarchical with an aristocratic tradition passed through generational succession. Throughout the samurai history, different clans vied for power and clashed in skirmishes and wars. During periods of national emergency, the samurai acted as the main military force of the country. By the end of the 1800s, the nation went through a period of modernization and the samurai were effectively abolished.
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Origins
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During the 7th century, Emperor Tenji established a system of warrior-aristocrats that eventually became the samurai. These samurai were divided into different clans and developed the traditional weapons associated with the warriors.
Clan Warfare
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By the 12th century, the major clans controlling Japan's political structure were the Fujiwara, Minamoto and Taira. In 1180, the Taira and Minamoto clashed in the Gempei War, resulting in the Minamoto claiming dominance.
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Buddhism
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The 13th century saw the rise of Zen Buddhism among the culture. At the same time, a number of Mongols attempted an invasion of Japan. An army of 10,000 samurai assembled but the Mongols were virtually destroyed at sea.
Social Structure
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The grand minister of the samurai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, codified the samurai caste in 1586. This created a permanent and hereditary social structure for the warriors. The code also forbid non-samurai from carrying weapons, giving the samurai more power.
Modernization
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The samurai were modernized into a national army and navy in 1854. The following year, a training school was established with Western knowledge brought from foreign-educated leaders. Among these was the future leader Admiral Enomoto.
Abolishment
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In 1873, the samurai were effectively abolished by Emperor Meiji. The remaining warriors became known as shizoku, but were forced to stop wearing the katana in public and lost much of their political importance.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons; Public Domain
