Major Turning Points of Japanese History

1. 10,000 B.C.E. End of Last Ice Age --- Appearance of the Japanese Archepelago

2. 300 B.C.E.-300 C.E. Introduction of Rice Agriculture

3. Mid-6th century: Introduction of Buddhism and Chinese Civilization

4. 1185-1600 Samurai Rule

Kamakura and Ashikaga Shogunates

5. 1600-1868 Tokugawa Period: Early Modern Developments

6. 1868-1912 Meiji Period and Modern Japan

7. 1945-present Americanization of Japan