Question
How did the status of merchants in feudal Japan compare to that in feudal Europe?
Merchants were more respected in Japan than in Europe
Merchants were revered in both Japan and Europe
Merchants were more respected in Europe than in Japan
Merchants were despised in both Japan and Europe
Merchants were more respected in Japan than in Europe
Merchants were revered in both Japan and Europe
Merchants were more respected in Europe than in Japan
Merchants were despised in both Japan and Europe
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most accurate statement is:
**Merchants were more respected in Japan than in Europe.**
In feudal Japan, the status of merchants gradually improved over time, especially during the Edo period (1603-1868), when commerce flourished. While they were not part of the samurai class, merchants could accumulate considerable wealth and influence.
In contrast, during the feudal period in Europe, merchants often occupied a lower social status, traditionally seen as less honorable than nobles and peasants. Their occupation was sometimes viewed with suspicion, as they did not produce goods but facilitated trade. This negative perception meant that merchants in Europe were often looked down upon, especially in strict feudal societies.
So, while the status of merchants varied to some extent within both regions, overall, the respect for merchants in Japan was generally higher than in Europe during the feudal periods.
**Merchants were more respected in Japan than in Europe.**
In feudal Japan, the status of merchants gradually improved over time, especially during the Edo period (1603-1868), when commerce flourished. While they were not part of the samurai class, merchants could accumulate considerable wealth and influence.
In contrast, during the feudal period in Europe, merchants often occupied a lower social status, traditionally seen as less honorable than nobles and peasants. Their occupation was sometimes viewed with suspicion, as they did not produce goods but facilitated trade. This negative perception meant that merchants in Europe were often looked down upon, especially in strict feudal societies.
So, while the status of merchants varied to some extent within both regions, overall, the respect for merchants in Japan was generally higher than in Europe during the feudal periods.