1 / 10

Japan’s Feudal Age

Japan’s Feudal Age. World History February 1, 2013. Japan Falls into a Time of Trouble. Towards the end of the Heian period, Japan fell into political turmoil Selfish and unstable rulers Peasant rebellions Warfare amongst Japanese people

kagami
Download Presentation

Japan’s Feudal Age

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Japan’s Feudal Age World History February 1, 2013

  2. Japan Falls into a Time of Trouble • Towards the end of the Heian period, Japan fell into political turmoil • Selfish and unstable rulers • Peasant rebellions • Warfare amongst Japanese people • As warring armies struggled for power, Japan fell into a Feudal Society

  3. What is Feudalism? • System of government where Japan’s land is broken up into factions • Each piece of land is controlled by a “lord” • In Japan’s case, a daimyo • Each daimyo works as an advisor to the emperor • Sits on his council • Helps make decisions for Japan • Daimyo has the freedom to govern their land as they please • Must pay taxes and loyalty to the emperor

  4. Role of the Shogun • In theory the emperor stood at the head of society • In reality he had little power • The real power laid with the Shogun • Shogun = supreme military commander • MinamotoYoritomo was appointed shogunate in 1192 • He developed the Kamakura shogunate, that ruled for 700 years • Shogunate = military dynasty • 3 military dynasties in Japanese history • Typically the shogun would control a small part of Japan himself • He would distribute land to the daimyo who agreed to support him with their armies in times of need

  5. World of Warriors • Daimyo is below the shogun • This is similar to lords or nobles • They would receive land from the shogun and would pledge loyalty in return • Samurai were considered “lesser lords” and would gain land from their daimyo • They were the fighting aristocracy • Aristocracy = wealthy, upper class • The word samurai translates to “those who serve”

  6. Bushido • Samurai were heavily trained from an early age • They would spend much of their life being educated in the ways of the samurai • They developed their own code of values • This is called bushido • Focuses on honor, bravery, and absolute loyalty to your lord • A true samurai had no fear of death • An old saying once said… • “If you think of saving your life, you had better not go to war at all.” • A samurai who betrayed the code of bushido would commit suppuku • This is a ritual and sometimes assisted suicide • This was a much honorable death than to be a coward

  7. Other Social Classes • Noblewomen had some rights and were respected in their society • Women were expected to raise warriors and accept the same hardships as their husbands • Peasants formed 85-90% of the population • They were the backbone of society • Farmed and some served as foot soldiers in feudal war • Artisans were respected because they made swords and armor for the samurai • Merchants were the lowest class • They depended on others to make a living

  8. The Tokugawa Shogunate • Tokugawa Ieyasu was a daimyo and fierce warrior • He conquered other warlords and took control of Japan • Because of his power, he was named shogun • Tokugawa was determined to end feudal warfare • Imposed a central government • Forced daimyo to live in the capital (Edo) • Only samurai could serve in the government or military • Women and peasants had less rights • With peace in the countryside agriculture and fishing grew • This caused the Japanese economy to grow immensely

  9. Advancements in the Arts • Major cities like Edo and Osaka were home to an explosion of the arts • Theater became incredibly popular • No plays • Focused on Zen Buddhist traits • Kabuki • Similar to No plays but had comedy and drama • Bunraku • Puppet plays that depicted social themes • Poetry and literature flourished • Painting and artwork reflected cultural ideals

More Related