The collapse of the Tokugawa bakufu, 1862-1868
Book • 1980
Conrad Totman's study traces the internal and external pressures that undermined Tokugawa rule between 1862 and 1868, detailing the policies, factional struggles, and foreign relations that precipitated the regime's fall.
Drawing on governmental records and contemporary accounts, Totman shows how economic strains, military challenges, and the impact of unequal treaties eroded the shogunate's authority.
The book highlights the roles of key domains—such as Satsuma and Choshu—and figures who steered the country toward restoration and modernization.
Totman also situates Japanese developments within the international context of imperial competition, offering insights into how external demands accelerated domestic change.
The work is regarded as a comprehensive analysis of the final years of Tokugawa governance.
Drawing on governmental records and contemporary accounts, Totman shows how economic strains, military challenges, and the impact of unequal treaties eroded the shogunate's authority.
The book highlights the roles of key domains—such as Satsuma and Choshu—and figures who steered the country toward restoration and modernization.
Totman also situates Japanese developments within the international context of imperial competition, offering insights into how external demands accelerated domestic change.
The work is regarded as a comprehensive analysis of the final years of Tokugawa governance.
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Episode 409 - The Anglo-Satsuma War
