bring the country under absolute control, Hideyoshi destroyed many castles that were built throughout the country during the era of civil wars. He forbade the samurai to be active as farmers and forced them to move into the castle towns. In 1587, Hideyoshi issued an edict expelling Christian missionaries. Nevertheless, Franciscans were able to enter Japan in 1593. In 1597 Hideyoshi increased the persecution of Christian missionaries, forbade further conversions, and executed 26 Franciscans as a warning. Christianity was seen as an obstacle in establishing absolute control over the people. Many Jesuits and Franciscans had acted aggressively and intolerant towards Shinto and Buddhist institutions.
             After uniting the country, Hideyoshi's next aim was to conquer China. In 1592 the Japanese army invaded Korea and captured Seoul within a few weeks; however, they were pushed back again by the much stronger Chinese army in the following year. Hideyoshi stubbornly didn't g
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