Japanese Feudalism World History Unit 3: Japan
ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How did Japan transform from feudalism to a modern nation in the 19th century? LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Break down the feudal class system in Japan and the role of the daimyo.
FEUDAL CLASS SYSTEM -- figurehead -- most powerful samurai; held all of the power L O Y A T -- great samurais -- noble warriors -- peasants, artisans, merchants; foot soldiers
FEUDALISM Warrior families fought each other for control (Minamoto & Taira) As a result of the constant fighting feudalism emerged Emperor weakens as families battle back and forth
Minamoto Yoritomo Greatest Family Warrior Drives Taira out of Capital Sets up NEW CAPITAL - Kamakura Given title shogun-chief general of the army
Minamoto Yoritomo Exterminates ALL important members of the Taira family Kills relatives in his own clan to prevent jealousy Took away all lands from Tairas Warriors continue to battle over land to give them an occupation
Samurais New professional warriors become the respected Samurai class Similar to European Knights Main role is military service of the Emperor
Samurais Live by a code of behavior - Warrior Ethics - called Bushido Bushido = “Way of the Warrior” Obligation to support Lord in return for his protection
Samurai Bravery Duty to fight war until death Contempt for Cowards Never turn back on enemy Choose suicide over capture or beheading Most humiliating punishment = Lack of Whole Corpse
SAMURAI SWORDS
Onin War (1467 - 1477) Continued fighting among clans Problem of succession to the Shogun Warfare over succession exhausts shoguns and warriors New Warrior Class comes to power - DAIMYOS - Powerful Samurais who own land and have warriors loyal to them; This is known as the Senegoku Period
Samurai & Daimyos Deconstructing History - Samurai