Battle of Sekigahara

The Battle of Sekigahara was a decisive confrontation between Tokugawa(East) and Toyotomi(West) that set the stage for long-term dissatisfaction in the West.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi had unified Japan. Two years prior to the battle, Hideyoshi executed his heir and the heir's family. This left his five-year-old son, Hideyori to be the heir. After Hideyoshi's death, it left young Hideyori in the care of regents. The most notable was Ishida Mitsunari, a polarizing, blunt man. While he was good with numbers and strategy and had many friends, his stubbornness offended several of the powerful warriors.

Seeing a tactical advantage, Tokugawa made alliances with those Toyotomi and his main regent had angered.

On October 21, 1600, Tokugawa's forces met little resistance, due in part to the betrayal of disaffected Toyotomi allies.

The Conflict

Aftermath

Tokugawa became Shogun and redistributed the land to those who supported him. The new Shogun rounded up and publicly executed many Western leaders. He put loyal vassals over leaders in the West, even those who pledged loyalty to him after the battle. Many clans accepted this. But three felt the loss of land and power unfair.
Seeds of resentment were planted that would culminate in the Shogunate's overthrow two-and-a-half centuries years later.

Conflict Type

Battle

Start Date

October 21, 1600

Conflict Result

Tokugawa became the first Shogun.