Toyotomi Hideyoshi: photo, biography, quotes, activities

Toyotomi Hideyoshi – a prominent military and political figure in medieval Japan, managed from among the peasants to reach the top of the hierarchical system. His reforms formed the basis of the device of the Japanese state and practically without changes has existed for 300 years. The name Toyotomi shrouded in mystery and legend, he even to some extent is a symbol of modern Japan.

The Birth and adolescence

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was born either February 2, 1536 or March 26, 1537, which corresponded to the fifth or sixth year Tenbun, the exact date is still unknown. His homeland was the village of Nakamura, in Owari province. He was born in a peasant family, and if I was a normal kid, then he walk into the field before the end of his days. However, Hideyoshi was not a simple man, and he was able to prove it to everyone, including the Emperor. Though perhaps he was not a peasant, as other sources claim about his samurai lineage, and of the “black” layer – infantry ashigaru. This mystery remained unsolved even after four centuries after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

A short biography of his is filled with many facts and events in military and political life of the country. But there is a possibility that if his father had not died so early, Japan and the whole world would have heard of such a name. The fact is that after the death of his father Aemon his mother remarried. Stepfather immediately took a dislike to the son of the wife, often raised his voice and often beaten. This has pushed the future of the Lord to escape from the paternal home. He went to Suruga province, ruled by the Imagawa family. So Hideyoshi was adopted into the service of Matsushita, Naganori with a new name Kinoshita, Tokichiro. From this moment begins his adult life away from his father's house and native land.

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ODA Nobunaga and the beginning of growth in a hierarchical system

In 1554, the year was marked by the meeting with Hideyoshi ODA Nobunaga. At the same time he resigned from Imagawa and began to serve a new master. Of course, he did not immediately samurai, the first time was the bearer of sandals Nobunaga.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi stood out from among the ordinary servants, he was a smart, prudent, and in its activities sliped engineering inclinations. The last paragraph has helped to change the attitude of the ruler. Once collapsed the fortified residence of the Ode. The falls were significant, but capable peasant Toyotomi managed to remove them in just three days. On Nobunaga's made a lasting impression, and he, in turn, remained indebted to his servant. In a moment of ODA appointed him steward of the city Kiyosu, which had the status of the castle, in addition to this, Hideyoshi was transferred to the financial Affairs of the ruling kind. If you consider the fact that Toyotomi was not aristocratic, it was the exception to all rules. To secure a high status in society, he succeeded in 1564, when he married the daughter of the nearest vassal of Nobunaga Asana Nagamasa.

Military activities under the command of Nobunaga

ODA Nobunaga is a historical figure that played a huge role in the process of the unification of Japan. As a rule, the Association had occurred by conquest of neighbouring provinces, therefore, was accompanied by constant internecine wars. Important role in this process was played by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His biography is just Packed full of military successes in the fight for the family's ascension Ode. In 1566 war was waged with the family of Saito. The stumbling block was the province of Mino. Hideyoshi had managed just one night to build the fortifications in the swamp, which became the bridgehead for the advance of troops of Nobunaga. However, we need to note his diplomatic skills, because this resistance of the two Japanese genera he lured to his side the influential generals Saito. Then there was a turning point in the war, and after two years it ended with the victory Ode.

1568 was important in the political activities of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. After taking Kyoto, he was appointed one of the co-rulers of the capital.

From upstart warlords

Two years later, after taking Kyoto Nobunaga raised an army to March on the province of Echizen, where the rules of the Asakura family. This campaign bore unexpected potential losses and complete defeat of the army of ODA. Already during the campaign, Nobunaga knew about the affair one of the most influential allies, with whom the enemy could take the army in a vise and smash. ODA prepared for a rapid retreat, and shield left rear guard, headed by Hideyoshi. Everyone understands that it is certain death. However, in spite of all prejudices Toyotomi managed to reflect all the attacks of the enemy, returning to Kyoto and the main forces of the undefeated. This act was not just a cover the retreating forces of the ruler, he changed the views of the samurai ODA. Previously, they believed that Hideyoshi is a simple civilian upstart, but now it began to see a gifted military leader.

In 1573, was destroyed rod Ajai, with its territory in the province of ome and the ruler of the castle of Nagamachi was appointed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Photos of those possessions has not survived, but the fact that the former farmer to have received a military fortification, speaks volumes.

In 1576 Hideyoshiappointed military assistant General Katsuie sibata, to reflect combat the onslaught of the forces Kensin. During the discussion of the strategy of warfare had a quarrel, due to which our hero went AWOL – left the headquarters. The result was the complete defeat of the troops of Nobunaga. Initially, it was decided to execute Toyotomi, but given his remarkable abilities, the Lord kept him alive, brought a stern warning.

Atonement

Activities Toyotomi Hideyoshi dates from the second half of the XVI century. This is the peak of the intense struggle within the state between individuals of the delivery, this time, incessant wars. And so the best way to earn the forgiveness of the ruler was a military feat. Toyotomi had not long to wait, the more convenient a chance to do this, he gave the command itself. He was appointed commander of the army of Nobunaga in the fight against the intensifying kind of Mori. For two years, Hideyoshi managed to take possession of three kinds – Encoders, Akamatsu and a great choice for At the same time, he created a reference point, the center of which was the Himeji castle. In 1579 managed to entice the ukit, the vassal Mori at his side.

However, the following year was not so serene. In the rear rose rod a great choice for Hideyoshi could not continue the offensive, when the rear restless, so he returned his hand to the suppression of the rebellion. In order to take the fortress of the rebels, had to spend a year, since it was possible to do only starve. Immediately after that, Toyotomi subdued the region Tajima belonging to the genus Yamana. The subordinates Yamana, realizing the inadequacy of his suzerain, kicked him out, and focused in the fortress of Tottori, turning to the side of Mori. But it did not save them: in 1581, Toyotomi surrounded the fortress, bought all that food in the area and took her down.

In 1582 the same as in the previous year, fortune smiled on our hero Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Pictures of his victories, of course, does not exist, but if they were captured, was struck with the originality his contemporaries and future generations. Meanwhile, Toyotomi continued his victorious series and, entering the lands of the province Bitty, began the siege of the fortress Takamatsu. It was well-armed and impregnable castle. From all sides the valley in which it stood, was surrounded by mountains, and on both sides took place two rivers. Hideyoshi was again resorted to engineering, erecting a dam so that the whole valley coupled with incessant rains has turned into a huge lake, and the castle became an island. Few weeks the impregnable fortress fell.

Political rise

The years of the reign of Nobunaga ODA cannot be considered as stable and prosperous. The population has suffered from the constant incessant wars. With his power he managed to capture 33 of the province in which he had performed indescribable atrocities. All this led to a rebellion against Nobunaga. The rebels, led by aketi Mitsuhide and his 10-thousand army, forced Nobunaga to commit seppuku.

At this time, Toyotomi was busy storming of the castle of Takamatsu, but after hearing about the disturbing news, no it is not said, in a short time made a truce with the Mori and went to the capital. At the same time, another ally of Nobunaga-Tokugawa Ieyasu went to Kyoto. But Hideyoshi was ahead of him, three days after the distance of several hundred kilometers. In may, 12 days, in 1582, Toyotomi sorokiniana army troops defeated Mitsuhide at Yamazaki. The rebel was killed by simple peasants in the robbery of food for the horses.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi quotes which flew all the former possessions of Nobunaga, has positioned himself as the avenger that led to his increasing influence among the influential feudal lords and samurai. When deciding on the succession of power Toyotomi was not difficult to enlist the support of generals. Potential competitor for the throne – the Nobunaga's son Nobutaka - he was forced to commit suicide. After that, Hideyoshi received a large part of the possessions of the kind of Ode, as a Regent Advisor of a new kind of Lord ODA Sanbei (3 years old). Open discontent when it outlined a long-time opponent Shibata Katsuie.

The unification of the country through bloodshed

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1582-1598). not found peace after the announcement of his actual heir to the power of Nobunaga. At this time a longtime enemy and opponent Hideyoshi Shibata unleashed a war against it. In the final battle the enemy was defeated and was forced to retreat to his province of Echizen. Most allies sibata eventually came under the banner of the Toyotomi. Seizing the moment, Hideyoshi broke into the land of the enemy, and besieged the fortress Catanese. Shibata and his wife died from seppuku, the citadel surrendered at discretion. As a result, all the former lands controlled by Nobunaga, passed into the possession of Hideyoshi.

In 1583 Osaka became the center of construction: there has been the construction of a huge castle. According to the testimony of contemporaries, such fortresses did not have any state of the civilized world. According to the Japanese, these were Japan, China and Korea. Simultaneously, Osaka became a major financial center and unofficial, but the actual capital of the country.

The Subordination of the territory of Japan

The Most wealthya competitor in the process of unification of the country for Toyotomi was a former ally of Nobunaga, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1584 occurred a pitched battle between their armies, the victory which was won by the samurai of Tokugawa. But the potential and stamina to continue the war was on the side of Hideyoshi, Ieyasu so went to the peace talks. Toyotomi was a little world, all he needed was submission to all the rulers of Japan. To this end, he even gave his sister Asahi married to the Tokugawa, and his mother sent to him as a hostage. In 1586 the Tokugawa himself arrived in Kyoto and made an oath of allegiance to Hideyoshi.

In those years, Toyotomi Hideyoshi decided to attach to his possessions on the island of Shikoku, which ruled Tascabe of Motoriki. At first, Hideyoshi invited him to just acknowledge vassalage. But, as expected, Tascabe refused, after which Hideyoshi sent a 100-strong army, before which the enemy surrendered.

Next came the island of Kyushu, Shimazu managed originally. In 1587 Toyotomi personally led a 200-strong army. Local rulers could not resist this force and surrendered to the conquerors.

By the end of 80-ies of the XVI century on the territory of Japan was still one the biggest landowner in-kind Go-HOJO. In 1590 unleashed open war between the two titans. Toyotomi laid siege to the main fortress of Odawara. Immediately after that he ordered to assemble in his residence all the samurai of Eastern Japan. In the end it was almost all the military and feudal lords recognized the dependence from Hideyoshi. After three months of siege, the impregnable fortress, which could not take before Toyotomi none of the renowned commander, fell. The ruler of the family and his sons could have committed seppuku.

The result of this activity is influenced by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the military leader and politician he subdued the entire territory of Japan. He became the most powerful ruler in the entire history of the existence of the state.

Interior reform

In the internal Affairs of Toyotomi Hideyoshi was as active as in military operations. After centuries of internecine wars in the country entered a period of stability, which resulted in an instant increase of cultivated area – they increased by 70%. However, Hideyoshi imposed a huge tax on farmers – 2/3 of the harvest they were to take the Treasury. Thus, the rice harvest for the year was about 3.5 million tons.

Toyotomi held a policy of seizure of all weapons in the environment of ordinary people, and this category at the time was the scythe and sickle. All of Japan's population was clearly divided into two classes: the administrators, to which belonged the military caste, and civil subjects. Alsheevsky the land registry was first formed during the reign of Hideyoshi and existed unchanged for over 300 years.

One of the most important points in the internal activities of Hideyoshi – the expulsion of the Christian missionaries. It was for a lot of reasons from official economic, to personal. 19 June 1587 He issued a decree that all Christians had to leave the island of Japan within 20 days, otherwise they would die. To intimidate was made indicative of execution: crucifixion was subjected to 26 Christians, among them were Europeans.

Imperialist views Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Intoxicated by internal success, believing in their God's chosen people, Toyotomi started to go crazy, according to some researchers. He got himself a harem, consisting of 300 concubines, all the time drove hundreds of thousands of peasants for the construction of military fortifications, and useless. But the main thing – it's his imperialist ideas. Toyotomi had the idea to capture the entire civilized world. He began with Korea. First period of the war, no doubt, left for the Japanese people – they captured almost all cities on the Korean Peninsula and reached the borders with China. But after this, the guerrilla war, from the North came to the Chinese army, who considered Korea its vassal territory. The result – samurai were pushed back to the South. Korea was divided into Chinese and Japanese zones of occupation. This struggle continued until the death of Hideyoshi in 1598. After this event, the samurai surrendered and went to his native land, where he again continued factional fighting broke out, the chief figure in which was Tokugawa Ieyasu.

So said Hideyoshi

Quotes and sayings and poems all-powerful dictator Hideyoshi was filled with deep philosophical meaning. However, it was common to all rulers of the civilized East of those times, and our hero is no exception.

In its origin Toyotomi could not become Emperor, so he was assigned the title kampaku. It can be interpreted in different ways, but the point is that he was the de facto ruler of the state under the nominal authority of the Emperor. Therefore, when the samurai took the oath of allegiance, the slope was not done to the Emperor, and in the direction of kampaku Hideyoshi. This is evidenced by the main text of the oath, made directly Toyotomi: “Orders and instructions to kampaku must be observed by all, and must be unquestioningly carry out”.

One of the philosophical quotes Hideyoshi is the argument about life: “I am steadfast and firm in achieving its goal, and in each new situation all the household choresmy will is also in order. I hope, as before, look to the future, believe in their longevity, and there is nothing wrong with me can't happen. I will continue to enjoy all the pleasures of life”.

His quotes are full of life philosophy, however, has not reached us his statements with regards to public administration, in which he was very strong. Hideesi has come a long way from the farmer to kampaku and in his later years, as claimed by contemporaries, has become very superstitious and pious man. That is why his last poem, written on his deathbed, had the following philosophical conclusion

I — like a falling drop of dew,

As the dew that disappears without a trace.

Even a castle in Osaka –

Just a dream.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi – “monkey” or “Mr. monkey," so he was named in Japanese historiography. It came not from its unseemly appearance. In Japan a similar moniker or the word ‘tokihiro” called people that all the time, was endowed with remarkable intelligence, wit and vitality. Toyotomi Hideyoshi all this is proved by the example of his own life. He managed a poor peasant become a ruler of all Japan, defeating enemies, and at the same time by combining state under the sole authority.