
2. Minamoto family wins a civil war in Japan
The Minamoto
warrior family established itself as Japan's military and civil
rulers after defeating the Taira clan in the Gempei War (1180-1185).
This defeat marked the end of the 25-year Taira reign. The rise
of the Minamoto led to a Japanese warrior government called a shogunate
in 1192, and increased the power of Japan's hereditary warriors
called samurai. The Minamoto have governed effectively, which offers
a chance for national stability.
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