Kamakura shogunate facts for kids
The Kamakura shogunate (in Japanese: 鎌倉幕, Kamakura bakufu) was a special kind of military government in Japan. It ruled Japan for many years. The leaders of this government were called shoguns.
The first three shoguns were from the powerful Minamoto clan. After them, two shoguns came from the Fujiwara clan. The last six shoguns were actually young princes from the Imperial family.
This time in Japanese history is known as the Kamakura period. It gets its name from the city of Kamakura. This is where the Minamoto shoguns lived and ruled from.
After the year 1203, another powerful family, the Hōjō clan, took control. They held a special job called Shikken. The shikken was like a regent. They truly governed Japan, even though the shogun was still the official leader.
Contents
History of the Kamakura Shogunate
How the Shogunate Began
In 1192, a strong leader named Minamoto no Yoritomo started this new military government. He and his family, the Minamoto clan, set up their base in the city of Kamakura. Even though there was a shogun, the old Imperial system of rule still existed. The shogunate worked alongside it.
Defending Japan from Invaders
Later, a very powerful group called the Mongols tried to invade Japan. Their leader was Kublai Khan.
On November 19, 1274, Kublai Khan's army landed near Fukuoka in Kyūshū. The Japanese forces fought bravely. After a big storm hit, the invaders had to go back to Korea. This event is known as the Bun'ei War.
There was a second attempt by the Mongol forces in 1281. This was called the Kōan War. Again, a huge storm helped the Japanese. These storms were later called kamikaze, meaning "divine wind."
The shogunate got ready for a third invasion. But it never came. However, defending Japan cost a lot of money. This made the shogunate weaker over time.
The End of the Kamakura Shogunate
In 1333, there was a big battle called the Siege of Kamakura (鎌倉の戦い). Forces led by Nitta Yoshisada attacked Kamakura. They destroyed the Kamakura shogunate, bringing its rule to an end.
Leaders of the Kamakura Shogunate
List of Kamakura Shoguns
- Minamoto no Yoritomo, ruled 1192-1199
- Minamoto no Yoriie, ruled 1202-1203
- Minamoto no Sanetomo, ruled 1203-1219
- Kujō Yoritsune, ruled 1226-1244
- Kujō Yoritsugu, ruled 1244-1252
- Prince Munetaka, ruled 1252-1266
- Prince Koreyasu, ruled 1266-1289
- Prince Hisaakira, ruled 1289-1308
- Prince Morikuni, ruled 1308-1333
- Prince Morinaga, ruled 1333-1334
- Prince Norinaga, ruled 1334-1338
List of Kamakura Shikken
The shikken were powerful regents from the Hōjō clan. They held the real power behind the shoguns.
- Hōjō Tokimasa, ruled 1203-1205
- Hōjō Yoshitoki, ruled 1205-1224
- Hōjō Yasutoki, ruled 1224-1242
- Hōjō Tsunetoki, ruled 1242-1246
- Hōjō Tokiyori, ruled 1246-1256
- Hōjō Tokimune, ruled 1268-1284
- Hōjō Sadatoki, ruled 1284-1301
- Hōjō Morotoki, ruled 1301-1311
- Hōjō Takatoki, ruled 1316-1326
Related pages
Images for kids
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This wooden Kongorikishi statue was made during the Kamakura shogunate in the 14th century. It used to guard the gate to Ebara-dera, a temple in Sakai, Osaka.
See also
In Spanish: Shogunato Kamakura para niños
