The Genpei War was a civil war that broke out in Japan from 1180-1185.It resulted in the emperor's posistion to be merely ceremonial with power given to the establish Kamakura Shogunate and the end of the Taira clan.
The Backstory
The conflict started following Fujiwara Clanball's decline,the Taira and Minamoto began fighting over for power over Japan and it's emperor(who wasn't really the ball in charge).In 1140,the Hogen Rebellion caused the Minamoto to be nearly destroyed by the Taira leader Taira no Kiyomori. Luckily, Kiyomori's mother spared the children of the Minamoto leaders.One of them was Minamoto Yoritomo who in his youth planned on returning the glory of the Minamoto clan.In 1180,another rebellion led by one of Yoritomo's relatives began,Yorimasa.
Yoritomo took this opportunity to rebel against the Taira,with his headquarters at Kanto Province.
The War begins
While the rebellion by Yorimasa was failing after their defeat at the Battle of Uji River in June, Yoritomo rallied his rebel army.Warrior monks that had supported Yorimasa were besieged by the Taira at Nara where the city was lost.Yoritomo's army was defeated later and was forced in a stalemate.From 1181 to 1182,the Yowa Famine caused mass death and war was temporarily stopped.
Turning of the tide
In 1181,the capable Taira no Kiyomori died.His successor lacked his father's qualities.This weakened the Taira forces leadership.After the Yowa Famine,the Minamoto continued pushing onward.
Lord Kiso and Complete victory
When it was clear the Minamoto and its allies were winning,a subordinate of Yoritomo named Minamoto no Yoshinaka(also called Lord Kiso) betrayed Yoritomo.He fought with Minamoto Yoritomo until he died in the Battle of Awazu in 1184. Showing his strength and who is boss of the Minamoto,Yoritomo continued until the final battle at Dan-no-ura in 1185.The Taira loss and the Minamoto established itself as the superior of Japan.
