|
During the late Middle Age in Japan, the 148 years between the Onin War (1467) and the Siege of Osaka (1615) are called the Era of War. At that time, people at bottom sought higher position by “overthrowing the top” and challenged authority all the time. Ancestors of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Edo Bakufu, were but merchants to the north of Mikawa Province. After tribe chiefs of different stages expanded by various means, they became daimyos as successful rulers of Mikawa Province. While Tokugawa Ieyasu was in control, he finally became seii taishotgun and brought the entire Japan to unity. The study aimed to observe how Matsudaira, predecessor of Tokugawa, developed in rural area and turned into Tokugawa. The study first explored the essence of Matsudaira from the early ancestors of Matsudairu. Then it discovered how a local merchant and a small ruler were connected with central authority, became retainers of samurai at upper level. Then it would elaborate on the transformation of Matsudaira from merchant into professional samurai and ruler. From the emerging of various wars and the change of Matsudaira during the course, the political framework relied on by the expanding power and realm would be thus understood. Secondly, it would probe how the collegial system of Matsudaira as a big family changed into a total patriarch tribe. During the course, people and retainers of Matsudaira suffered failures and attempted to succeed. The study would analyze the cause of the final loss of Matsudaira Kiyoyasu, the seventh generation of Matsudaira, and policy and war undertaken byMatsudaira Hirotada, the eighth generation of Matsudaira. The final discussion had to do with Imagawa clan entering Mikawa Province, the reason and outcome of taking Matsudaira under ruling, and after the death of Imagawa Yoshimoto, how Tokugawa Ieyasu led Matsudaira clan from independence to becoming daimyos. While Tokugawa Ieyasu united Mikawa Province, he first conquered local powerful tribes and members of Matsudaira tribes, resolved problems of rebellion by samurais of Jodo Shinzu believers. After he was granted permission by the royal palace, he changed his family name from Matsudaira to Tokugawa. Thus he possessed the moral authority to rule Mikawa Province. The way applied during the process as well as the final outcome are the crucial points to be explored in this study.
|