The Kamakura period began in 1185 with the appointment of Minamoto Yoritomo as the first shogun, establishing the Kamakura Bakufu as Japan's first military government. After Yoritomo's death, the Kamakura defeated the imperial army in 1221, gaining control over Japan and marking the start of feudal military rule that lasted until the late 19th century. During this time, Buddhism grew significantly as many temples and shrines were constructed, including the great Buddha statue completed in 1252.