1. Japanese Feudalism
World History
Unit 3: Japan

2. 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.  

3. 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

4. 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

5. Minamoto Yoritomo Greatest Family Warrior Drives Taira out of Capital
Sets up NEW CAPITAL - Kamakura
Given title shogun-chief general of the army

6. 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

7. Samurais New professional warriors become the respected Samurai class
Similar to European Knights
Main role is military service of the Emperor

8. 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

9. 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

10. SAMURAI SWORDS

12. 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

13. Samurai & Daimyos
Deconstructing History - Samurai