Global History and Geography Regents ReviewUnit 3 Section 1

Aim: How did Japanese Feudalism develop?

Early Japan:

Was strongly influenced by geography

Borrowed selectively from Chinese Culture

Developed a feudal system Experienced stability and strong

government during later feudal times

Big Ideas

Shinto Kami Zen Buddhism Shoguns Daimyo

Samurai Bushido Kabuki Haiku

Key Terms

Japan is made up of a chain of mountainous islands in the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of mainland Asia.Japan has four main islandsJapan has 3,000 smaller islandsJapan is part of the “Ring of Fire”

which is a group of islands in the Pacific that are vulnerable to earthquakes and volcano eruptions.

Japanese Geography

Shinto is the traditional Japanese religion Shinto means “The Way of the Gods”

Follows of Shintoism worship “Kami” which is the divine spirits found in all living and nonliving things.

Shintoism

Adopted the Chinese system of writing. Buddhism- Zen Buddhists spread

throughout Japan. They valued peace, simple living, nature, and beauty.

Confucianism- Adopted many Confucian ideals especially about proper behavior and social order.

Adopted Chinese tea ceremonies and garden designs.

Cultural Diffusion from Korea & China

The Yamato Clan came to power in the year 500, they became the Royal Family of Japan. The Emperor in Japan today still claims he can trace his roots back to the first Yamato.

By the year 1100 Feudalism took hold in Japan and everyone had a place in society.

Imperial Japan

Feudal Society in Japan

Emperor- Ruled in name only Shoguns- Top military commanders. Had the real

power Daimyo- Received land from the shoguns and

promised military service to the Shogun in exchange for land

Samurai- “Those who Serve”. Lived by a strict code called “Bushido” or “Way of the Warrior”. Promised to be loyal, brave, and honorable. Expected to commit ritual suicide if they failed to live up to the code. This form of suicide was known as “Seppuku”

Feudal Japan

Peasants and Artisans- Peasants farmed the land and artisans made weapons for the samurai. The samurai protected peasants and artisans.

Merchants- They were the lowest class in Japan even though they were very wealthy because they earned their wealth off of other people’s hard work.

Women- The status of women declined in Japan. Feudal leaders did not hold women in high esteem.

In 1603, the Tokugawa Shogunate came to power bringing peace and stability to Japan for almost 300 years. Created a centralized feudal

government Trade increased and a wealthy class of

merchants emerged Became openly hostile to foreigners By 1638, all western merchants were

banned and Japanese citizens were forbidden to travel overseas

The Tokugawa Shogunate