Recent Changes

The following were used to obtain knowledge
Japan Reference: http://www.jref.com/culture/edo_period_era.shtml
Japan Guide: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2128.html
Think Quest: http://library.thinkquest.org/C001119/history/parse.php3?src=edo
{http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/samurai-archer.jpg}

it began
Way
Way back when, was Hideyoshi. One
One of hisHideyoshi's underlings, TokugawaTokugawa Leyasu, had his wish offor Hideyori to become king. After
After Hideyoshi's deathdeath however, it different intentions. During
During the battle Sekigahara, in 1600,1600, Tokugawa vanquished Hideyori's followers. Soon
Soon after the appointed Shogun by theemperor,by the emperor, and he in Edo. Tokugawa
Tokugawa and his successor thesuccessors then ruled Japan for 250250 great years. Edo period.
{http://www.kiteman.co.uk/Resources/Edo-hashimoto50.jpg}
Important Events
Things were different during the Edo period. During this time, only China and the Dutch East India company were allowed to visit Japan. Although this seems unfortunate, Japan grew in more ways than one because of this. Shipping increased, along with trade. Skills in crafting and other abilities grew greatly as the Japanese learned to hone their abilities, and the population of Edo grew at an alarming rate. Confucianism also became quite popular, which led to a set of new laws, and a new vision for the people of Edo. There was a shared belief amongst everyone to be the best they could be at whatever duty they were given in life, which allowed society, in whole, to become stronger.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Commodore Perry forced Japan to "open" to the rest of the world, which lead to the rapid fall of the Edo period. When Japan became open to foreigners, many ideas, thoughts, and beliefs bombarded Japan, and it's culture changed to fit its new surroundings.
Overview
The Edo period came under rule with Tokugawa Leyasu
Considered the "richest time in the history of feudal Japan"
Only China and the Dutch East India company were allowed to visit Japan during this time
Skills and abilities grew greatly during this time. Fine art and craft were produced
Population grew to over one million
Confucianism became popular
"Be the best you can be" became an unofficial "motto" among the people
Commodore Perry forced Japan to open more trade ports and be more willing to share with the outside world, causing the decline of the Edo period
{http://www.jref.com/images/content/perry-caricature.jpg}

it began Way
Way back when, Japan died. HisHis name was his underlings, Tokugawa Tokugawa Leyasu, had of Hideyori toto become king. After Hideyoshi's death death however, it During the battlebattle of Sekigahara, in 1600, 1600, Tokugawa vanquished was appointed Shogun byShogun by theemperor, and