The History of the World Podcast, written and presented by Chris Hasler. Volume 4, The Medieval World

Episode 62 The Ascaga Shogunate Oh, We pick up our story of Japanese history from the end of the episode on the period of the

Kamakura Shogunate where the Emperor Gaudayigo had instigated the Kemmu restoration. Japan had always been traditionally

under the rule of the Emperor who controlled the Imperial Court.

For a number of centuries, the Imperial Court of Japan had been located in Kyoto

towards the west of the islands. Much of the islands.

Much of the islands were made up of clans who had originated from family units.

Some of these clans became very powerful and would endeavor to influence the Imperial Court

and reduce the position of Emperor to a ceremonial role by marrying into the Imperial line and becoming regents to child emperors.

Tensions would increase between some of the clans on a national level as a consequence, and one of the clans the

Minamoto would oppose the Taira clan who had strong influence over the imperial court. During the Genpei War the Minamoto defeated

the Taira Clan and established the center of power in a city called Kamakura in the east of the islands.

The ruler in the east was referred to as the Shogun and represented the head of a military administration.

Over time this military administration or Shogunate

began to exert more power and influence over the imperial court until the country was effectively

under the rule of the Shogunate.

The invasions of the Mongols in the late 13th century had a disastrous effect on the

economy of Japan and as is often the case in such circumstances rebellions rose up against the Shogunate.

It was during this period that the Emperor Godeigo saw an opportunity to shift the balance of

power away from the Shogunate and back towards the Imperial Court.

The Shogunate sent forces under the samurai known as Asikaga Takauji to defend against the aggressions of the army

under the leadership of Emperor Godaigo. But when Takauji switched sides and joined Gaudaigo against the Shogunate, this was the beginning of the end.

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