Why did the Tokugawa shogunate keep Japan isolated from 1603 until 1853?
http://www.google.com/search?q=Tokugawa+shogunate&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Fear of foreign influences? Read some of the articles to find out.
This site will help you with that.
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/TOKJAPAN/SHOGUN.HTM
The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the Edo period, maintained an isolationist policy for several reasons. To understand why, let's break it down:
1. Domestic Stability: The Tokugawa shogunate aimed to consolidate power and maintain stability within Japan. After several centuries of civil war and political turmoil, they sought to establish control and bring peace to the country. By isolating Japan, they minimized foreign influence and reduced the potential for foreign interference, which could have led to internal conflicts.
2. Consolidation of Power: The shogunate implemented strict social and political control over the daimyo (regional lords) and samurai warriors to ensure loyalty and obedience. Isolation helped strengthen their authority by limiting external contacts that might challenge their rule or introduce new ideas that could undermine traditional values and social order.
3. Protection against European Influence: During this period, European powers, particularly Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, expanded their presence in Asia and sought to establish trade relations with Japan. The Tokugawa shogunate observed the consequences of European colonization, such as in neighboring countries like China and Korea, where Western influence led to political and economic exploitation. To protect Japanese interests and autonomy, they chose to limit contact with these outside powers.
4. Concerns over Christianity: Christian missionaries arrived in Japan during the 16th century, especially from Portugal and Spain. Initially, they were tolerated, but as their influence grew, the shogunate became apprehensive about the potential destabilizing effect of the religion. Christianity was seen as a foreign ideology that could undermine traditional Japanese values and the authority of the shogunate. In response, the shogunate imposed strict measures against Christianity, leading to its eventual prohibition and persecution.
5. Economic Self-Sufficiency: The shogunate believed in a self-sufficient agrarian economy, with an emphasis on preserving resources and reducing dependency on trade. Isolationist policies limited contact with foreign markets, thus reducing the risk of economic exploitation, ensuring stability, and maintaining a balanced economy.
6. National Defense: By reducing contact with foreign powers, the shogunate aimed to safeguard Japan against potential military interventions or invasions. They were concerned about the possible threat of foreign military powers disrupting their control and eroding their authority. Isolation helped maintain a sense of independence and security.
It's important to note that this isolationist policy was not absolute, as limited trade and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries such as China and the Netherlands were still permitted. However, the strict control over foreign contact and the restriction on foreign influence were aimed at preserving internal stability and protecting Japanese interests.