Tokugawa Rule explores how the Tokugawa Shogunate transformed Japan from a warring state into a realm of extended peace and stability, lasting from 1603 to 1868. It examines the shogunate's strategies, including strict social and political policies, a system of national isolation known as sakoku, and economic manipulation to consolidate power.

One intriguing aspect was the rigid social hierarchy, where each class had specific roles and expectations. Another was the sankin-kotai system, where regional lords were required to spend alternate years in Edo, effectively acting as hostages.

The book presents a cohesive analysis of the key factors that contributed to the shogunate's longevity. It begins by setting the stage with Japan's pre-Tokugawa political landscape and then delves into the establishment of the bakuhan system, a dual structure of central shogunate control and regional domain governance. Progressing through the core tenets of Tokugawa rule, it examines social policies, the impact of sakoku, and the shogunate's economic strategies. Finally, it analyzes the internal and external pressures that led to the Meiji Restoration, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of this formative period in Japanese history.