Krystian Masiewicz

2/12/14

F-Band

H.W. #3

1.Identify: Shogun, daimyo, bushido, and samurai.

After years of two Japanese clans, one family emerged victorious. The emperor gave a
Minamoto leader named Yoritomo the title of shogun, which was a supreme general of the
emperor's army; they had the powers of a military dictator. Daimyo were one of the great lords
who were vassals of the shogun. Samurais had a demanding code of behavior that they followed
which was called Bushido. Bushido also means "the way of the warrior." Samurais were
supposed to show courage, fairness, and generosity for people who were weaker than them.
Samurais were loyal warriors and bodyguards of lords who had many rivalries. Samurai means
"one who serves."
2.How was Japan's feudal order similar to that of medieval Europe? (Be SPECIFIC)
Owners of big pieces of land started to recruit small, private armies. After that the countryside
became dangerous. Armed soldiers preyed on farmers and travelers and the seas were controlled
by pirates. Farmers and small landowners traded parts of their land so that the powerful warlords
could protect them in exchange.
3.Explain the role of a samurai.
At first samurais protected aristocratic landowners, but later on in the 1110s the warrior class
secured national power. This led them to dominating the Japanese government all the way until
1868. Samurais followed a code know as Bushido. The code emphasized loyalty, bravery, and
honor.