Kamakura Shogunate History

Feudal System in Japan

• The first shogun who introduced the feudal system to Japan was Minamoto no Yoritomo.

Consolidation of Power

• Minamoto no Yoritomo took the action of gathering an army and establishing a base of power at Kamakura to consolidate his power in Japan.

Samurai Role

• The main role of samurai in the feudal system of Japan was to serve as warriors and protect the shogun and his domains.

Impact on Japanese Society

• The introduction of the feudal system impacted Japanese society during the Kamakura Shogunate by creating a rigid social hierarchy and a system of obligations and dependencies between lords and vassals.

Overthrow of Rulers

• Warlords, shoguns, and emperors were frequently overthrown during the Kamakura Shogunate period because they were vulnerable to attacks from powerful vassals who sought to gain power and control.

Primary Ruling Power

• The primary ruling power during the Kamakura Shogunate was the shogun.

Maintenance of Power

• The Minamoto Shogun maintained power during the Kamakura Shogunate by granting lands and titles to loyal vassals and by maintaining a strong military.

Vassals' Role

• Vassals played the role of serving the shogun and providing military service in exchange for protection and rewards.

Rewards for Service

• Vassals received lands and titles as rewards for their service to the shogun.

Lands Given to Vassals

• The lands given to vassals in the Kamakura Shogunate were described as "chigyo" or "fiefs".