social, political, and economic changes made under the tokugawa shogunate

http://www.japan-101.com/history/history_tokugawa_shogunate.htm

Under the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan, which lasted from 1603 to 1868, significant social, political, and economic changes took place. Here's a breakdown of these changes:

1. Social Changes:
- Feudalism: The shogunate implemented a strict social hierarchy known as the "Four-tiered Class System." According to this system, society was divided into four classes: samurai (warriors), peasants, artisans, and merchants. Each class had specific roles and responsibilities.
- Isolationism: The shogunate introduced a policy called "sakoku," which aimed to isolate Japan from foreign influence. This policy restricted foreign contact and limited travel, particularly for Japanese citizens, to preserve traditional values and prevent outside interference.

2. Political Changes:
- Centralized Authority: The Tokugawa shogunate established a central government known as the bakufu. The shogunate held absolute power, and the shogun was the supreme ruler of Japan, while regional lords known as daimyo became subordinate to the shogun.
- Alternate Attendance: To maintain control over the daimyo, the shogunate introduced the "sankin kotai" system. This required daimyo to spend alternating years in their regional domains and in the capital city of Edo (modern-day Tokyo), allowing the shogunate to monitor their activities.

3. Economic Changes:
- Growth of Towns and Cities: With a stable period of peace, Japan experienced urbanization. Merchant towns and cities thrived as trade and commerce expanded, leading to the growth of a merchant class known as chonin.
- Development of a Money Economy: The shogunate introduced a monetary system using copper, silver, and gold coins. This shift from the previous barter economy facilitated trade and bolstered economic growth.
- Agricultural Reforms: The shogunate aimed to increase agricultural production and stability. Policies such as land redistribution, irrigation projects, and the encouragement of new farming techniques were implemented to support the peasant class, who formed the backbone of the economy.

To explore these changes further or understand specific details, you can refer to historical texts, academic sources, or consult books specifically focused on the Tokugawa period in Japanese history.