Early japan (-710 AD)
The history of Japan dates back thousands if not tens of thousands of years. During the early stages of Japan (up to 710 AD) there were many different periods of time in which different settlers existed.
During the Jomon Period (130000 BC- 300 BC) many of the Japanese inhabitants were fishermen, gatherers or hunters.
During the Yayoi Period (300 BC- 300 AD) Japanese inhabitants had created the rice culture around 100 AD. After the introduction of agriculture, social classes started to develop and countries began to unite under powerful new leaders. This period of time also brought iron and other important materials from Korea into Japan.
By the beginning of the Kofun period (300- 538 AD) a center of power had developed in the middle of the country. This resulted in the country being united to form the Yamato Japan with it's political center near the city of Yamato, which today is known as the Nara Prefecture. The emperor of this time resided in a capital that was frequently moved from one city to another. This didn't last long though, as the Soga clan soon too over the political power which resulted in most of the emperors only acted as a symbol for their state.
Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the year 538 or 552 and was promoted by the ruling class. This followed by in 645 AD Nakatomi no Kamatari started the rise of the Fujawari clan that was the last to rise to power until the 11th century, when the military class was introduced. In the same year the Taika reforms were legalized. This resulted in Japan taking a new role in developing a government that was similar to those of China's. All of land was bought from the state and resold to display the new tax laws which were also a follow on from China.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2131.html
During the Jomon Period (130000 BC- 300 BC) many of the Japanese inhabitants were fishermen, gatherers or hunters.
During the Yayoi Period (300 BC- 300 AD) Japanese inhabitants had created the rice culture around 100 AD. After the introduction of agriculture, social classes started to develop and countries began to unite under powerful new leaders. This period of time also brought iron and other important materials from Korea into Japan.
By the beginning of the Kofun period (300- 538 AD) a center of power had developed in the middle of the country. This resulted in the country being united to form the Yamato Japan with it's political center near the city of Yamato, which today is known as the Nara Prefecture. The emperor of this time resided in a capital that was frequently moved from one city to another. This didn't last long though, as the Soga clan soon too over the political power which resulted in most of the emperors only acted as a symbol for their state.
Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the year 538 or 552 and was promoted by the ruling class. This followed by in 645 AD Nakatomi no Kamatari started the rise of the Fujawari clan that was the last to rise to power until the 11th century, when the military class was introduced. In the same year the Taika reforms were legalized. This resulted in Japan taking a new role in developing a government that was similar to those of China's. All of land was bought from the state and resold to display the new tax laws which were also a follow on from China.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2131.html
Time line of Japan's history
This timeline shows the key events that happened in Japan's history. There are many scenarios and events that have all played a role in shaping Japan as it is today. Perhaps one of the most important and key events is the attack on Pearl Harbor between 1941-42. This attack happened after Japan broke it's ties fro the American government and declared war immediately. Both countries involved suffered massive losses, both with people and trust. After the attack American people didn't know if the Japanese people that were living in America were just spies from Japan's military base. As a result many Japanese residents of America were interned and some Americans even began riots and attack on the Japanese living in the county.
http://www.historyrocket.com/World-War/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor/Results-Of-The-Attack-On-Pearl-Harbor.html
http://www.historyrocket.com/World-War/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor/Results-Of-The-Attack-On-Pearl-Harbor.html
Modern japan (1945- )
After the end of WW2 Japan was devastated. Nearly all of the large cities (apart from Kyoto) were severely damaged. Many industries and transportation businesses were destroyed and there was an extreme food shortage for several years post-war. Japan nearly lost all of their territory in 1894 so when Japan managed to gain back Okiniwa in 1972 it was an extreme benefit to the county. Still, however Japan hasn't managed to gain back the territory of the Kurile Islands.
A new constitution started after 1947. The emperor lost all of his military and leadership power and was solely only made the symbol of the state. A new law was placed to stop Japan from leading another war again and the human rights for citizens was fully acknowledged to all of Japan's citizens.
Japan's and US alliances worked relatively well. Some disputes were recorded when US set up more troops in Japan in preparation for the cold war, this meant that the US wanted Japan to establish it's own self-defense force despite the anti-war article in the constitution. The peace treaty went into effect in 1952 and Japan's Self Defense Force was established in 1954. The renewal of the US-Japan Security Treaty began in 1960.
After the end of the Korean war, Japan's economy flourished. The economic growth resulted in a rise of living standards, technology and many changes in society. There was a 1972 oil crisis in Japan which was a big shock to the economy since Japan relied so heavily on oil. This however, developed a new range of technology to battle this issue.
Japan has drastically changed over the many years of history and will continue to rapidly grow into the future.
A new constitution started after 1947. The emperor lost all of his military and leadership power and was solely only made the symbol of the state. A new law was placed to stop Japan from leading another war again and the human rights for citizens was fully acknowledged to all of Japan's citizens.
Japan's and US alliances worked relatively well. Some disputes were recorded when US set up more troops in Japan in preparation for the cold war, this meant that the US wanted Japan to establish it's own self-defense force despite the anti-war article in the constitution. The peace treaty went into effect in 1952 and Japan's Self Defense Force was established in 1954. The renewal of the US-Japan Security Treaty began in 1960.
After the end of the Korean war, Japan's economy flourished. The economic growth resulted in a rise of living standards, technology and many changes in society. There was a 1972 oil crisis in Japan which was a big shock to the economy since Japan relied so heavily on oil. This however, developed a new range of technology to battle this issue.
Japan has drastically changed over the many years of history and will continue to rapidly grow into the future.