The downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 19th century Japan was brought about by both internal and external factors.
Under the Tokugawa rule, the government was a feudal military dictatorship called bakufu, with the shogun at the top. The emperor reigned but did not rule; he was only a symbol to be worshipped.
It was the shogun who actually ruled Japan. He ruled directly over a quarter of the country; the rest was divided among the daimyo or feudal lords. Under the shogun and the daimyo were the samurai (military followers or soldiers).
Tokugawa society placed great importance on obedience to authority. The individual was controlled by the state, the community and the family.
The forced opening of Japan following US Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853 undoubtedly contributed to the collapse of the Tokugawa rule.
Firstly, it created socio-economic problems in the country. The speculation in the gold and silver exchange by foreigners after the signing of the treaties upset the domestic price structure. This led to extraordinary fluctuations in the prices of local goods and brought economic hardships to the Japanese people.