4.4.6 Feudalism in Medieval Europe and Japan

shogun

A hereditary military leader of medieval Japan. During Japan's feudal years (1192 - 1867), shoguns, who were typically appointed by the emperor, were the absolute rulers of Japan.

7. Explain the economic systems of feudal Europe and Japan. How did they function differently, and how did they contribute to the endurance of these two feudal societies?

In Europe, a system of manorialism was practiced, which exchanged labor for land or protection. When landowners began to believe that exchanging labor for money or goods was more efficient, a capitalist system emerged and feudalism ended. In Japan, however, the system of paying salaries and charging taxes was in effect from the beginning; this is one reason why feudalism in Japan endured for centuries longer than it did in Europe.

3. How were European knights and Japanese samurai alike and different?

Knights followed a code of chivalry, whereas the samurai followed the Bushido code. Both knights and samurai wore armor, carried swords, and fought on horseback. Both were charged with protecting feudal lands. However, their armor and weapons were different. In addition, knights were paid in land, whereas samurai were paid salaries. Knights were often illiterate, whereas samurai were usually very well educated.

4. What religions were important in the European and Japanese feudal systems?

The Roman Catholic Church was one of the stabilizing forces in feudal Europe. In Japan, the feudal system and the Bushido code were built on the religions of Confucianism, Zen Buddhism, and Shinto.

2. On what basis was the feudal system in Japan founded?

The feudal system in Japan was founded on the teachings of Confucius, who taught the importance of respecting one's superiors and helping those less fortunate.

6. Explain the role of the military in feudal societies. Why were warriors such as knights and samurai held in such high regard?

The feudal system largely arose from a need for protection, whether it was from invaders or during wars. Peasants were kept in check by the need for protection from their lords. Warriors such as knights and samurai were rewarded in the feudal system for protecting their realm. In Japan, the military was especially important, with the shogun ruling the entire country in place of the emperor.

In Medieval Europe —Religion practiced Example literature Code of Conduct Names Given to Warriors Purpose of Feudalism

Christianity epic poem chivalry knights knights

In Feudal Japan -Religion practiced Example literature Code of Conduct Names Given to Warriors Purpose of Feudalism

Confucianism, Zen Buddhism, Shinto haiku Bushido samurai To provide labor for landowners who offered protection to peasants