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Jan 1, 1543
Born
Tokugawa was born into the Matsudaire clan in the Mikawa Province. His given name was Matsudaira Takchiyo. At the time of his birth Japan was racked by civil war and turmoil. The empore had absolutly no athourity. Power was divied between various warlords was constantly being fought over(Cambrige Encyclopedia of Japan 67) -
Sep 23, 1545
First eropean contct
Portuguese traders cae to Japan on what the Japanese thought were strang looking boats. With them they brought muskets and the outside world. Until this time Japan had little contact with other outside countries, besides Korea. Eventually, from this initiall contact Christain missinaries came to Japan. This outside contact would would shape Tokugawa's goverment and
its self inflicted isolation in later by Tokugawa's deceandednt (Robertson 9) -
Jan 1, 1548
Sent away as a Hostage
Tokugawa's father, Matsudaira Hirotada, needed to make an alliance with Imagawa Yoshimoto, a neighboring lord to protect his clan. The only condition was that his son be sent as a hostage. On the way there though, Tokugawa was captured and would be killed unless his father switched alliances. These terms was not meat, but Tokugawa was let free none the less. When Tokugawa did make it to his new home he was treated as nobility and given an education fit for his class ("Tokugawa Ieyasu"). -
Jan 1, 1566
Changed name to Tokugawa Ieyasu
After Tokugawa had begun his military camping, he started to build a name for himself. He officially petitioned the courts in 1566 to change his name from Matsudaira Takechiyo. It was approved. From then on he was Tokugawa Ieyasu. ("Tokugawa Ieyasu") -
Jan 1, 1568
alliance with Oda Nobunaga
After gaining his own identity, Ieyasu allied himself with Oda Nobunaga. Oda was a fierce general who already was fighting together with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. While they were allies they worked together to conquer more lands including Kyoto. Oda also taught Tokugawa a great deal about military tactics. Nobunaga's daughter was arranged to marry Tokugawa’s oldest son to make the two men’s alliance even stronger.("Tokugawa Ieyasu") -
Toyotomi Hideyoshi dies
Ruler of Japan, Toyotomi was the general before Tokugawa, though he was never shogun. He had placed Tokugawa as one of his generals under him. Before he died he had his generals swear that they would rule for his five year old son, Hideyori, could take the responsibility. His death was the opportunity that Tokugawa need though to claim the power that he had waited for from the beginning(Taylor 80). -
Battle of Sekigahara
After Toyotomi died, Tokugawa wanted to seize the power he had been waiting for since the begging. Another general named Ishida Mitsunari challenged him for authority though. These two generals clashed in Sekigahara, the greatest battle in Japan. With a total of 40,000 casualties, Tokugawa came out victorious. (Bowring 67) -
Siege of Oodende
This three year long siege was the climax in the 80-year War, or the Dutch war of Independence. Located in what is now Belgium, this siege was very bloody with casualties being as high as 35,000. After the battle the Spanish control of southern Netherlands was reasserted.(Timetables 63) -
Named Shogun
Tokugawa was given the title of Shogun by the emeror Go-Yozei, making him the most powerful man in Japan. His capital was moved from Kyoto, where the emperor lived, and put in Edo. Edo would latter become what is now modern day Tokyo. The title of shogun is impotant because it significed Tokugawa as the undisputed ruler.(Bowring 67) -
Samuel de Champlain Begins Vogages
Samuel de Champlain received funding from king Henery the IV of France to go explore the new world. He sailed to what is now Canada and New England and mapped out the area. While he was there he also claimed land for France and founded Quebec. When he returned he brought fish, furs, descriptions of wildlife, and maps.(Time tables 17th century 88) -
James I becomes King of England
King after Queen Elizabeth the first, James was originally from Sotland. He increaced his general dislike by the people when not long after becoming king, brought schotish men and gave them English titles. He was also had antagonist to the puritants. he ordered that that them to convert to the church of england, which did nto make the sistuation any better(Time tables 17th century 91) -
Handed Title of Shogun to Son
Only two years after being named shogun, Tokugawa handed the title down to son. this was done to to secure his line before he died. As he saw when Toyotomi died, if there ws not a person capibale of ruling whne he died, his family could lose everything he had worked for. also Toyotomi's son, (Bowring 67) -
First Contact with Australia
The first landing on Australia started out as a series of discoveries. Portuguese and Dutch navigators were exploring the pacific islands when they found it. Then they started exploring by making landfalls on the coast. These landings helped map out the content. (Timetable 119) -
Jamestown is Founded
three ships were sent out from london under a charty sent out by the London Company. in all they caiired 144 sette;ers to the new world. the english govermetn saw this as an oppertunity to gain a foot hold in the americas. the colony at first was unprepared for what laid ahead. it was saved though by John Smith who to control and the Powhatan Indians who helped them survie.(timetables 132) -
Burning of the Globe Theater
The Globe Theater in London was the theater where Shakespeare and other famous play writers performed their works. A defect of the theater at this time was that it had a thatch roof, which was highly flammable. During a play by the King's Men Company, a spark was set off. Within minutes the theater was a blaze. Nearly everyone was able to escape unharmed and with minimum injuries. The theater was later rebuilt and still used today. (Time tables 17th century 181) -
Siege of Oska Castle
After waiting a considerable amount of time, Tokugawa decided to deal with Toyotomi's son, Hideyori. Hideyori though was located in the massive fortress, Oska castle. Hideyori bloodily fought off Tokugawa’s attacks, preventing him from entering. Tokugawa then proposed a truce in which Hideyori was to get rid of his defenses. Hideyori agreed and shortly after Tokugawa resumed his attacks. He took the castle, but not before Hideyori had committed suicide. (Pilbeam 26) -
Dies
Tokugawa died at age 76 peacefully in his capital at Edo. He was at ease knowing that his lineage was secured. The dynasty he had created, with its rigid social classes had its firm foundation for the next several years. His son Hidetada, who had been shogun ever since his father had given him the title, was now able to begin actually ruling on his own.(Durant 843)
