HISTORY QUESTION: SHORT ESSAY FORMAT OR LIST RELATIVE INFORMATION TO QUESTION. 3
ID: 298792 • Letter: H
Question
HISTORY QUESTION: SHORT ESSAY FORMAT OR LIST RELATIVE INFORMATION TO QUESTION.
3) The establishment of a new Samurai class initiated a major shift in the social and political systems of Japan. In addition to the altered power of the emperor and the influence of the aristocratic families (kuge), the very culture of the country was altered from the Heian through the Tokugawa periods. a) Explain how and why the samurai class was formed. b) How did it evolve from the Heian through the Tokugawa eras? b) How did the role of samurai play in Japanese politics change throughout these eras? c) How was samurai culture different from Kyoto culture? From merchant culture?
Explanation / Answer
Origins of the Samurai:
Samurais were a group of highly skilled warriors that originated in Japan in the mid-seventh century CE, during the time of Taika reforms. It was however in the late Heian period (900-1100 CE) that the warrior class started becoming an important part of Japanese culture and politics. During the later phase of the Heian period, the Japanese emperors gradually lost their powers and hence their significance. Their powers were limited only to the capital Kyoto, army was disbanded and land reforms initiated. The power shift was towards the military generals (Shoguns) of the Emperor. Meanwhile, the land distribution system introduced at that time was full of heavy taxation and illegal usurpation which forced many small farmers to live life of penury. Gradually few large landholders (Daimyo) emerged which needed protection of their lands and themselves from their enemies. As a result the clan of bushi or the Samurai warrior was born.
How did it evolve from the Heian through the Tokugawa eras - How did the role of samurai play in Japanese politics change throughout these eras
The Heian period Samurais were mainly relatives of the landowners or simply hired swords. Later however, farmers that were driven to penury were driven to arms to protect themselves from the excesses of the Shoguns or Daimyos. So another clan of Samurais thrived simultaneously with the Shogunate Samurais.
By 1100, the Samurais effectively controlled the political scenario of Japan. During the Kamakura period (1180-1333). The powerful Minamoto clan established their own shogunate by the name KAMAKURA. Their rule was significant due to the rise of several smaller samurai clans and the attack of the Mongols (Kublai Khan). The suppression of smaller clans and the successive repulsion of the Mongols, greatly increased the strength of Kamakura clan in Japan. However, it also inflicted on them, huge financial losses. This weakened the Kamakura clan and hence Emperor Go-daigyo sensed an opportunity to return to power. This change of power happened in 1333 CE and it is known as the KEMMU RESTORATION. It was however an extremely short affair as in 1336 CE, the Ashikaga Shogunate came to power. The important characteristic of this period is the interference of Daimyos in shogunate successions suggesting their increase in power. This eventually led to a clash between the Daimyos and the Samurais which resulted into the ONIN WAR in 1467 CE. Daimyos were successful and the Samurais consequently worked under their influence. The period from 1467 CE to the Edo period of 1598 CE was full of clashes between the warlords and the Daimyos.
The Tokugawa shogunate emerged by suppressing many Daimyos from Kyoto to Kanto region. This period is important for Samurai history because the Shoguns asked the Samurais to clearly define their prerogatives. i.e, either serve the Shogun unconditionally or give up their swords and return to farming. This transformed the Samurais from Warriors to a semi-warrior-bureaucrat mix type.
How was samurai culture different from Kyoto culture? From merchant culture?
The Samurai culture represented the way of life for a rugged warrior who has left his family and other belongings to protect the honor of his master or clan. This concept is known as ‘’bushido’’. The Samurai had unbridled authority and respect in the society. This generally evoked from the fear and the stories of bravery of the Samurais. The sense of Honor was so high among Samurais that it became a ritual for defeated Samurais to commit suicide with their swords. Their daishos (swords) body armour and attitude changed the culture of Japan in significant ways. The Kyoto merchant culture on the other hand was very different. The merchants gradually became very wealthy. Even Samurais wanted to change and become merchants but a law prohibited them to do so. The Merchants controlled exchange of grains and other items to the Samurais. Also the Samurais were paid not in currency but in rice which the samurais inturn exchanged for money. Naturally the merchants had a greater hold on the warrior class especially when they had the power to fluctuate the market price of rice.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.