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Period: Jan 1, 1180 to Jan 1, 1185
Gempei War
The Gempei war was between the two great clans: The Taira clan, and the Minamoto clan. They fought a five year war for the political power of Japan. This is where the story of Yoshitsune originates from. -
Period: Jan 1, 1185 to
The Reign of the Samurai
During these times the Samurai held all of the political power in Japan. They were prized as the best of the fighters in all of Japan. -
Period: Jan 1, 1185 to Dec 31, 1333
Kamakura Shogunate
The Kamakura Shogunate was the first of several centuries of a military based government. -
Period: Jan 1, 1336 to Dec 31, 1573
Ashikaga Shogunate
The Ashikaga Shogunate was another branch of the Minamoto clan that seized control after the Kamakura Shogunate was overthrown. Under this rule Japan splintered into over 400 different independent states in 1500. -
Period: to
Tokugawa Shogunate
The Tokugawa Shogunate was the last Shogunate in Japanese history. During the Tokugawa reign the Samurai were disbanded. The political power of the Samurai was eliminated in 1692, so they moved on to become either scholars, monks, or simple business owners. -
Period: to Jan 1, 1180
The Samurais Low Era
The Samurai were simply hired swords for Feudal lords during this time period. They were skilled fighters and preferred by these daimyo.