Lesson 25: The Rise of the Warrior Class in Japan

Questions and Answers

How did the Japanese government change after Minamoto came to power in 1185?

A warrior class began to run the country.

What is a Samurai?

A member of a powerful warrior class in Japan, also means 'those who serve.'

What is a Shogun?

A general who ruled Japan through military power.

What were Daimyos in Japan?

Landowners that built castles and held estates worked by peasants. Signup and view all the answers

What was a benefit of Samurai armor?

It allowed Samurai free movement in battle. Signup and view all the answers

What was Samurai armor made out of?

Rows of small metal plates laced together with colorful silk cords. Signup and view all the answers

What was the samurai's most prized weapon?

Sword Signup and view all the answers

What happened when Samurai failed the code of Bushido?

They committed ritual suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What were Samurai's secondary weapons?

Bow and arrow, polearms, matchlock firearms. Signup and view all the answers

What are martial arts?

Combat and self-defense practices that do not require weapons, such as judo and karate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the mental training of the Samurai?

Always be prepared and alert. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bushido mean?

'The way of the warrior' that emphasized loyalty and honor to the daimyos. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a Samurai and a Knight?

Samurai had to read and write, Buddhism or Shinto was their main religion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rise of the Warrior Class in Japan

The government transformed in 1185 when Minamoto came to power, leading to a warrior class governing Japan.
The Samurai emerged as a powerful warrior class, translating to "those who serve."

Key Figures and Terms

Shogun: A military general who held significant power, ruling Japan through military authority.
Daimyos: Landowners comparable to European lords; they built castles and managed estates worked by peasants.

Samurai Attributes and Equipment

Samurai armor was designed for agility, enabling free movement during combat.
Armor was constructed from small metal plates, laced together with colorful silk cords.
The sword was regarded as the samurai's most treasured weapon.

Code of Conduct and Consequences

Failing to adhere to the code of Bushido, which emphasized loyalty and honor, led samurai to commit ritual suicide.
Secondary weapons for samurai included the bow and arrow, polearms, and matchlock firearms.

Martial Arts and Training

Samurai practiced martial arts such as judo and karate, which focused on combat and self-defense without weapons.
Mental preparation and constant alertness were crucial aspects of samurai training.

Cultural Differences

Samurai were distinguished from knights by their literacy skills and religious affiliations, primarily Buddhism or Shinto.

Description

Explore the transformative period in Japan during the rise of the warrior class, starting with the Minamoto clan's ascendance in 1185. This quiz covers key terms like samurai, shogun, and daimyos, highlighting their roles and significance in Japanese history.