MadnickGlobal History 9

China

Japan

India

Japan-the basics

• Made up of more than 3,000 islands.

• Seas protected Japan from invasion

• Never conquered by other people

archipelago

Chain of islands

Japan-the basics

• Influenced by Tang and Song China (618-1127)– Buddhism, 600’s– Block printing/

moveable type/ bookmaking

• 800-1200, Japan developed it own culture separately from China

Shinto

• Japan’s major religion• Kami=Shinto gods/spirits• Kami are found in nature: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water• special humans became

kami after they die, especially the emperor

Shinto

Four Affirmations

1. Importance of Families- families preserve traditions; birth and marriage are celebrated

2. Love of Nature- nature is sacred; contains Kami3. Physical cleanliness- frequent baths & washing 4. Matsuri- Kami and ancestors must be given proper

honor and prayers

Political/Social System• People of early Japan

lived in clans• 300-Yamato clan

became dominant• Yamato leader became

first emperor• modern emperor is a

direct descendant of first Yamato emperor

Political/Social System• 800-1200 -Japanese

government grew weaker• Warlords fought for power• 1185- Yoritomo Minamoto

named first shogun (general)• Shogun had all political and

military power in Japan until 1600’s

Feudalism• Under shoguns, Japan developed a

social/political system called feudalism

-social/political system based on ownership of land, military service to one’s superior, and loyalty between rulers and the ruled

Japanese Feudalism

Emperor

Shogun

Daimyo

Samurai

Peasants

Japanese Feudalism

• Emperor-respected figure; no real power• Shogun-real political and military power

-controlled all land• Daimyo-ran estates according to shogun’s rules• Samurai- professional warriors; served daimyo• Peasants-tied to land; produced food for all