s in national wars and in civil wars that to this day continue in Ireland and Scotland. These struggles would eventually shatter the European monarchical traditions themselves. Protestants unhappy with the rule of Catholic kings challenged the monarchy, which had always seemed an invincible political institution. The final result of these struggles would be the overthrow and execution of Charles I in England in the middle of the seventeenth century, an historical earthquake that permanently changed the face of Europe. Both Japanese and European rulers used religion as a means of control:Buddhism was warmly welcomed into Japan by the Soga clan, an important family in the Yamato court. The Soga saw Buddhism's emphasis pacification and protection of the state as a means to ensure their continued administration of Japan. Buddhism was embraced as a set of cultural values rather than a religion. Prince Shotoku Taisha (AD 593-622) became a devout Buddhist who retained a Korean tutor and studied Buddhist Writings intensely. China, where the emperor was of pivotal importance, became a model. Representatives were sent to the Sui and Tang court to learn and bring back fundamentals of Chinese philosophy, art, law, and government. Shotoku's dedication to Buddhism was reflected in the temple construction program he pursued, and by A.D. 624, Japan had forty-six Buddhist temples. The serfs in Japan had always remained loyal to the Shintoism faith but by the eight-century, Shintoism and Buddhism reconciled. This was critical since the Japanese Imperial family gained its sanctity from the Shinto sun-goddess. As for the introduction of Christianity the main reason, which led to the complete dissipation of Christianity in Japan by 1638, was the government's intentions to excerpt absolute control over its people. This would not have been possible with the interference of a foreign religion like Christianity at that time. The shogunate realized that Christi...
