Japanese Samurai and Bushidō: Beliefs, Values, and Society

DoK Level 2: Which two belief systems greatly influenced the moral expectations of Japanese society?

• Shinto and Buddhism

• Christianity and Islam

• Hinduism and Confucianism

• Taoism and Judaism

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DoK Level 2: What is Bushidō best translated as?

• The Way of the Warrior

• The Path of Enlightenment

• The Art of Peace

• The Code of Honor

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DoK Level 2: What was the primary role of samurai during times of peace?

• Administrators, advisors, and protectors of local communities

• Farmers and merchants

• Artists and poets

• Religious leaders

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DoK Level 3: Why was losing one's katana in battle considered a significant event for a samurai?

• It symbolized loss of identity and honor, and could damage a warrior’s reputation permanently.

• It meant the samurai could no longer fight.

• It was a sign of wealth loss.

• It indicated the samurai was promoted.

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DoK Level 2: What qualities were emphasized in the Bushidō code for samurai?

• Loyalty, courage, discipline, honesty, and self-control

• Greed, selfishness, and laziness

• Fear, ignorance, and dishonesty

• Independence, competition, and aggression

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DoK Level 3: How did the training of samurai combine both intellectual and physical elements, and why was this important?

• Samurai studied martial arts and literature, which helped them develop both strength and wisdom, distinguishing them from other warrior groups.

• Samurai only focused on physical training, making them stronger than other warriors.

• Samurai ignored intellectual training, relying solely on combat skills.

• Samurai trained in farming and trade to become well-rounded individuals.

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What was the main reason local landowners (daimyo) in feudal Japan began hiring samurai?

• To protect their lands and enforce order

• To build temples and shrines

• To trade with foreign countries

• To entertain the emperor

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Explain how the relationship between samurai and daimyo contributed to the stability of feudal Japanese society.

• Samurai pledged loyalty to daimyo, who provided support and recognition, creating a system of trust and discipline that maintained stability.

• Samurai ignored daimyo and acted independently, causing chaos in society.

• Daimyo forced samurai to work as farmers, which led to economic growth.

• Samurai and daimyo competed for power, resulting in constant warfare.

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Analyze how the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate by Minamoto no Yoritomo changed the structure of military leadership in Japan.

• It created a new system where military leaders held authority over many aspects of society, strengthening the warrior class.

• It weakened the samurai class and gave all power to the emperor.

• It abolished the use of samurai and replaced them with foreign mercenaries.

• It made daimyo the sole rulers of Japan, eliminating the shogun’s role.

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DoK Level 2: Which skills did samurai warriors practice to prepare for battles during the evolution of warfare in Japan?

• Archery, swordsmanship, and horseback combat

• Cooking, painting, and gardening

• Swimming, running, and cycling

• Singing, dancing, and acting