Japanese vs. European Feudalism

The emperor sat at the very top of the structure but had virtually no power.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

A strict code of honor governed the lives and behaviors of warriors.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

Feudalism began here due to ongoing civil war and the need for strong military control.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

Serfs, or peasants, worked the land and provided food for nobles and warriors in exchange for protection.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

The ruler at the very top gave out land to nobles in exchange for taxes and knights.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

Decentralization, attacks from vandals and barbarians, and a need to protect people and resources from those elements led to the rise of feudalism here.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

Feudalism here lasted until the 19th century.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

People were born into their status in the feudal system and almost never moved from there.

• Japan

• Europe

• Both

What is the code of honor for samurais called?

• Daimyo

• Bushido

• Seppuku

Who holds real power in the Japanese feudal system?

• Shogun

• Emperor

• Daimyo