Questions and Answers
What was the primary role of the samurai in medieval Japan?
What was the system of governance and social hierarchy in medieval Japan?
What was the primary emphasis of the samurai code of Bushido?
What was the name of the military dictatorship that ruled Japan from 1185 to 1867?
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Who was the founder of the Shogunate?
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What was a key characteristic of the samurai class in medieval Japan?
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What was the main basis of the feudal system in medieval Japan?
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During which period did the feudal system in Japan reach its peak?
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What was the role of the shogun in medieval Japan?
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What led to the decline of the shogunate and the feudal system in Japan?
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What was the social class from which the samurai emerged?
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What was a key role played by the samurai in feudal Japan?
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When did the feudal system in Japan begin to take shape?
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What was the name of the last shogunate in Japan?
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What marked the end of the feudal system and the beginning of modern Japan?
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Study Notes
Samurai
- Members of the warrior class in medieval Japan
- Originally bodyguards for the emperor, later became the ruling class
- Lived by a code of honor called Bushido, emphasizing loyalty, discipline, and self-control
- Skilled in martial arts, sword fighting, and archery
- Wore distinctive armor and helmets, carried swords and bows
- Fought in battles, protected their lords, and maintained law and order
Feudalism
- System of governance and social hierarchy in medieval Japan
- Based on vassalage, where lords granted land and protection in exchange for loyalty and military service
- Emperor was the supreme ruler, but real power was held by the shoguns and daimyos (feudal lords)
- Samurai served as vassals to the daimyos, who in turn served the shoguns
- Peasants and artisans formed the lower classes, obligated to provide labor and taxes to their lords
Zen Buddhism
- Introduced to Japan from China in the 12th century
- Emphasized meditation, spiritual discipline, and self-control
- Influenced the development of the samurai code of Bushido
- Popularized by the Rinzai school, which focused on sudden enlightenment through koans (paradoxical statements)
- Zen monasteries became centers of learning, art, and culture
Shogunate
- Military dictatorship that ruled Japan from 1185 to 1867
- Established by Minamoto no Yoritomo, who seized power from the emperor
- Shoguns were the de facto rulers of Japan, with the emperor as a figurehead
- Shogunate was divided into periods, including the Kamakura (1185-1333), Muromachi (1336-1573), and Edo (1603-1867) periods
- Shoguns maintained control through a network of vassals, administrators, and samurai warriors
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Description
Test your knowledge of medieval Japan, including the samurai, feudalism, Zen Buddhism, and the shogunate. Learn about the history, social hierarchy, and cultural influences of this fascinating period.
