History glossary
samurai
Japan's hereditary warrior class, later transformed by Tokugawa peace and Meiji reform.
- Category
- Social class
- Region
- Japan
- Date range
- c. 10th century-1870s
What it means
Samurai were Japan's hereditary warrior class. Under Tokugawa peace many served as officials, scholars or retainers rather than battlefield fighters. Meiji reforms weakened their privileges through stipend conversion, conscription and the end of exclusive warrior status.
Related terms
Stories using this term
The Meiji Restoration
From Tokugawa order to imperial restoration, conscription, industrialisation and military victory, the Meiji era transformed Japan into a modern imperial power.
The Aztec Empire
From migrants to empire, the Aztecs built a powerful civilisation before collapsing after Spanish conquest.
