Under feudalism, who was directly responsible for protecting the people?

the shogun
the emperor
the daimyo
the kami

7 answers

Under feudalism in Japan, the daimyo were directly responsible for protecting the people. Daimyo were powerful lords who held large estates and were tasked with maintaining order and providing security within their domains. They often employed samurai, who were the warrior class, to defend their lands and the people living on them. The shogun, while holding the ultimate military power, relied on the daimyo to manage and protect the various regions of Japan. The emperor, although a figure of authority, had limited power during much of the feudal period. The kami are spirits in Shinto belief but were not responsible for protection in a societal context.

The Fujiwara rose to power by
making a fortune through trade.
waging war on other clans.
having their daughters marry emperors.
defeating the Mongol invaders

The Fujiwara rose to power by having their daughters marry emperors. This strategy allowed them to establish powerful connections within the imperial family and effectively control the imperial court through regency and influence, despite not being the ruling emperors themselves. This practice was known as "marital alliance" and played a significant role in increasing their political power during the Heian period in Japan.

What was one main difference between Japanese and European feudalism?
Japanese feudalism emerged out of a period of violence; European feudalism did not.
Japanese feudalism was influenced by religions other than Christianity.
European feudalism involved the exchange of land for services; Japanese feudalism did not.
Japanese samurai and European knights did not follow similar codes of conduct.

The statement that best reflects a main difference between Japanese and European feudalism is:

Japanese feudalism was influenced by religions other than Christianity.

While both systems were influenced by their respective cultural contexts, European feudalism was predominantly shaped by Christianity, while Japanese feudalism was significantly influenced by Shinto beliefs and Buddhism. Each system had its unique social structures, values, and codes of conduct, but the religious influences were a notable difference in their development.

Regarding the other options:

  • Japanese feudalism did emerge out of a period of violence, but so did European feudalism in many respects.
  • Both European and Japanese feudalism involved the exchange of land for services, though the specifics differed.
  • While there were distinct codes of conduct (Bushido for samurai and chivalry for knights), the idea that they did not follow similar codes is more complex, as both emphasized loyalty, honor, and service, though in different cultural contexts.
What factor contributed to the development of Japan's feudal system?
The central government became weak and lost power.
China’s Han dynasty took control and formed the new structure.
An increase in trade led to a need for a new system.
The Mongol invasion established a new government that created the system.

The factor that contributed to the development of Japan's feudal system is:

The central government became weak and lost power.

During the Heian period, especially towards the later years, the imperial court struggled with internal power struggles and corruption, which weakened the central government's authority. As a result, local lords (daimyo) began to gain more power and control over their own territories, leading to the development of a feudal system where loyalty and military service were exchanged for land and protection. This decentralized political structure was further solidified by various conflicts, including the Gempei War, which ultimately led to the establishment of military rule under the shogunate system.