Questions and Answers
Who is considered the highest in society in Feudal Japan?
What was the original role of the Shogun before Minamoto Yoritomo?
Military leaders with the right to wage wars.
The title of Shogun became hereditary after Minamoto Yoritomo's changes.
True
What was the main function of the Peasants for the Shoguns?
Signup and view all the answers
The word 'Samurai' means to ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Artisans were organized into guilds and had strict apprenticeship requirements.
Signup and view all the answers
Who were expected to lie flat on the ground as a sign of respect when a Daimyo passed?
Signup and view all the answers
Which class was considered the lowest in society in Feudal Japan?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Feudal Japan Social Structure
-
Emperor
- Highest rank in society but limited power compared to the Shogun.
-
Shogun
- Originally a title for military leaders with authority to wage wars.
- Minamoto Yoritomo forced the imperial court to grant him the title after the Emperor's death.
- Changed the title from military command to hereditary governance over Japan.
-
Daimyo
- Most privileged class, acting as regional warlords representing the Shogun.
- Faced restrictions imposed by Tokugawa to limit their power.
- Expected to show respect, with lower social ranks lying flat when a Daimyo passed by.
-
Samurai
- Term means "to serve"; status inherited from their parents.
- The only class besides Daimyo permitted to carry two swords.
- Had the authority to kill individuals of lower classes if disrespected.
-
Peasants
- Typically owned minimal land sufficient for self-sustenance.
- Provided tax revenue primarily in rice for the Shoguns.
- Harsh working conditions led many to leave for labor or servant roles in cities.
-
Artisans
- Included various male roles (masons, plasterers, cooks, swordsmiths) and female roles (weavers, fan-makers).
- Worked for Daimyo or the Bakufu and organized into guilds.
- Involved in strict apprenticeship systems for skill development.
-
Merchants
- Positioned as the lowest social class, perceived as benefitting from the labor of others.
- Education was prioritized, with training in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Notably, many women in this class attained higher education levels than their counterparts in other classes.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the hierarchy of Feudal Japan with this quiz. Learn about the roles and definitions of key figures like the Emperor and Shogun, integral to understanding the social fabric of this historical period. Perfect for those studying Japanese history.
