The Heian period, which lasted from the late 8th century to the 12th century, was one of early Japan’s longest periods of continual peace. By the late Heian period, the nobility owned large amounts of property and supported their own armies. Soon, even the Heian government came to rely on the private armies instead of their own army.

Question

The Heian period, which lasted from the late 8th century to the 12th century, was one of early Japan’s longest periods of continual peace. By the late Heian period, the nobility owned large amounts of property and supported their own armies. Soon, even the Heian government came to rely on the private armies instead of their own army.
      The increase in the private families’ power led to the growth of two of Japan’s greatest warrior clans, the Taira and the Minamoto. Shifts in political factions and in the power of local war lords caused civil wars and unrest all over Japan. In the 12th century, the fighting ended after two major wars between rival clans, both of which were descended from noble lines.
      When the throne became unoccupied in 1155, the naming of the emperor set off another revolution. At this point, the warrior clans and their private armies gained the power to decide the affairs of Japan.
3
What contributed to the rise of war lords in Japan?
 A. 
The warrior clans banded together in truces.
 B. 
The Heian government overpowered private armies.
 C. 
Civil wars increased the powers of the court.
 D. 
Private families supported large armies.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

D. Private families supported large armies.

This option directly addresses the rise of warlords, as it was the increase in power and resources of private families that allowed them to maintain and support their own armies, leading to the emergence of warrior clans and eventually the rise of the warlords.