Keywords
Abstract
The Bakumatsu period (1853–1868) represents a pivotal turning point in Japanese history, marking the end of over two centuries of Tokugawa rule and the beginning of modern Japan. Triggered by Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival and the forced opening of the country to the West, this era was characterized by immense political, social, and economic turmoil. This paper investigates the multifaceted causes behind the collapse of the Tokugawa Shogunate, examining both external pressures—such as Western imperialism and economic disruption— and internal weaknesses, including political corruption, social dissatisfaction, and delayed reforms. Drawing from primary texts and scholarly interpretations, this study aims to reveal how these factors collectively undermined the shogunate’s authority and set the stage for the Meiji
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