Feudal Powers in Japan Background of Japan n
Feudal Powers in Japan
Background of Japan n GEOGRAPHYarchipelago made up of over 4, 000 islands RULE-Clans controlled their own territory RELIGION- Shinto belief based on respect for the forces of nature and worship of ancestors
Japanese adopt Chinese Ideas n n 500 AD contact with China increases People migrate from Korea and bring Chinese ideas: Buddhism (Zen Buddhism-incorporates Shinto ideas into Buddhism) n System of writing n Government structure Japanese adapted Chinese ways to suit their own needs. n Love-Japanese n Love-Chinese n
Royal Authority n n Heian period-royalty and a highly defined court system Royalty and ppl of the court followed artistic pursuits like writing, painting, poetry Tale of Genji world’s first novel (written by a woman) Followed strict rules, etiquette and refinement (p. 305)
Feudalism Wears Down Royal Authority n n n Strong central government during the Heian Period Power begins to slip Too caught up with in luxury than in governing Large landowners set up private armies Beginning of a feudal system in Japan
Samurai Warriors n n Loyal warriors to a lord (Samurai means “one who serves”) Lived according to Bushido (a demanding code of behavior): n n Show reckless courage Respect of the Gods Fairness Generosity for ppl who are weaker
The Shogunate n n Ruling Lord took control and gave himself the title Shogun-powers of a military dictator: officials, judges, taxes, armies, roads were under his authority Held real power from the Emperor Fought off 2 attacks from Kublai Khan
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