The Tokugawa Shogunate was the last feudal military government of Japan, ruling from 1603 to 1868.

Its establishment ended the long 'Sengoku' or 'Warring States' period of civil war in Japan.

The final unification of Japan was achieved by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who secured his dominance at the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.

Ieyasu established his government in Edo, which is now modern-day Tokyo.

The Tokugawa Shogunate brought over 250 years of peace and stability to Japan.

To maintain control, the shogunate implemented a strict social hierarchy, with the samurai at the top.

The 'sankin-kōtai' or 'alternate attendance' system required all daimyo (feudal lords) to spend every other year in Edo, which weakened them financially and politically.

The shogunate also implemented the 'sakoku' policy of national seclusion, severely restricting foreign trade and contact.

Christianity was banned, and Japanese Christians were persecuted.

The long period of peace fostered significant economic growth and the development of a vibrant urban culture.