History Chapter 25: Warrior Class in Japan

Questions and Answers

How did the government of Japan change in 1603?

The government changed in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun and established Tokyo as the new capital.

Explain how a shogun, samurai, and Daimyo are related and what each one promises the other.

A shogun is the head of the military, the samurai promise protection to the Daimyo in exchange for land or money.

Three important parts of the samurai's armor are ____.

Broad shoulder guards, leather or cloth shin guards, and chest/back panels.

What is the primary purpose of a samurai's long sword?

The long sword is designed to be flexible yet hard, allowing a samurai to exploit weaknesses in an enemy's armor from a distance. Signup and view all the answers

What interesting detail is there about a samurai's training in archery?

Young samurai practiced archery until they could shoot accurately without thinking and learned breathing techniques while riding on horseback. Signup and view all the answers

If a samurai lost or broke their sword, they might use _____.

makeshift weapons such as metal fans and wooden staffs, along with their martial arts skills. Signup and view all the answers

What might a samurai say before a battle?

They would likely shout their names, deeds, ancestors, and/or reasons for fighting. Signup and view all the answers

What should a samurai think about daily to overcome the fear of death?

They should think of themselves as already dead. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of how samurai were trained to endure pain and suffering.

They were made to go days without eating, marched barefoot in snow, and held stiff postures for hours. Signup and view all the answers

Why were samurai trained to always be alert?

An attack could occur when least expected. Signup and view all the answers

What is calligraphy, and why was it practiced by samurai?

Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing, practiced as part of being a cultured individual and a warrior. Signup and view all the answers

What is haiku?

Haiku is a form of poetry created by Matsuo Basho which includes nature and simplicity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Rise of the Warrior Class in Japan

In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun, marking the end of the Daimyo rule and establishing Edo (now Tokyo) as Japan's capital.
Shogun, the military leader, was associated with the Daimyo, retaining power while samurai provided loyalty and protection in exchange for land and monetary support.
Samurai armor consisted of broad shoulder guards, shin guards made of leather or cloth, and chest and back panels for enhanced protection.
The long sword of a samurai was designed for flexibility and strength, capable of exploiting weaknesses in enemy armor from a distance.
Young samurai trained rigorously in archery, mastering technique and mental focus, which included shooting from horseback and breath control.
Additional weapons like spears or short swords supplemented a samurai's arsenal, with bows and quivers also being common.
If a samurai lost his sword during battle, he might resort to makeshift weapons like metal fans or wooden staffs and rely on his martial arts training.
Before battle, samurai shouted their names, achievements, and motivations to bolster morale and assert identity.
To confront the fear of death, samurai were advised to mentally embrace the notion of being "already dead."
Pain endurance training involved fasting, traveling long distances barefoot in snow, and maintaining rigid postures for extended periods.
Constant vigilance was key, as samurai faced unexpected attacks; training included surprise attacks with wooden swords by their masters.
Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, was a discipline expected of samurai, linking them to cultural refinement alongside their martial prowess.
Haiku poetry, created by warrior Matsuo Basho, exemplifies the literary contributions from the samurai class, illustrating cultural engagement.
During tea ceremonies, samurai would encounter scroll paintings, small doors requiring crawling to enter, and meticulously organized silverware, symbolizing elegance and cultural appreciation.
Devotion to Amida Buddha was expressed by relying on his mercy, often through the recitation of his name as a sign of faith.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 25 about the rise of the warrior class in Japan. Explore the significant changes in government during the Edo period, particularly focusing on the role of the shogun and the connections between important figures of the time. Test your understanding of this pivotal era in Japanese history.