What was the Satsuma Domain?

The Satsuma Domain was a powerful Japanese feudal estate that existed from 1600 to 1871 during the Edo period. Ruled by the Shimazu clan from Kagoshima Castle, it was the second-highest assessed domain in Japan. It played a major role in national politics, including the invasion of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the formation of the Satchō Alliance, and the Meiji Restoration.

What we know

• The Satsuma Domain was a domain of the Tokugawa shogunate existing from 1600 to 1871 based at Kagoshima Castle. [2]
• The domain was ruled throughout its existence by the Shimazu clan and reached a peak assessed value of 770,000 koku. [2]
• The Satsuma Domain conquered the Ryukyu Kingdom as a vassal state following an invasion in 1609. [2]
• It formed the Satchō Alliance with the Chōshū Domain in 1866 to help overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate and restore imperial rule. [2, 5]

Where to go next

• whoWho were the Shimazu clan?
• what caused itHow did the Satchō Alliance shape the Meiji Restoration?
• a case in pointWhat happened during the bombardment of Kagoshima?
• what followedHow did the Satsuma Rebellion end the samurai class?
• the bigger pictureWhat was the Ryukyu Kingdom's relationship with Japan?
• an unexpected connectionHow did a regional Japanese domain influence modern currency reforms?The expensive military suppression of the Satsuma Rebellion forced the imperial government to enact major monetary reforms, including leaving the gold standard.

Sources

• [1]Satsuma Domain (Wikidata Q676187) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Satsuma Domain · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Satsuma Province · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Satsuma Rebellion · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Satchō Alliance · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

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