Comparing Feudal Systems: Japan and Europe

Name:

Date:

Period:

Comparing Feudal Systems: Japan and Europe Directions: In this activity you will analyze specific factual information in order to compose a valid comparative thesis which addresses the essay prompt. 1. Read over the pieces of SFI and determine which are factually relevant to Japan and Europe, respectively. 2. Categorize and organize the SFI into valid groups of similarities and differences, using the essay prompt to determine which direct comparisons address the question. 3. Create a title for each of your SFI categories (e.g. “Role of Religion”). 4. Using your chosen titles for each category of SFI, compose a valid thesis which addresses the essay prompt. Essay Prompt: “From the 9th to the 15th centuries, Japanese and European society was increasingly feudal in nature. Analyze the similarities and differences in the nature of feudalism in these two regions.” SFI Categories:

Similarities:

SFI (Japan):

SFI (Europe):

Differences:

SFI (Japan):

SFI (Europe):

Thesis Statement:

Samurai – warrior who lived by codes of honor and who emphasized bravery and honor in battle and in life

Knight – warrior who lived by codes of honor and who emphasized bravery and honor in battle and in life

The lord-vassal relationship was an important part of the feudal system. The lord provided protection and aid to the vassal, who in turn provided military service to the lord

Family lineage was an important part of the feudal system. Property and status were transferred within families and alliances were built through intermarriage

The basis of feudal power was the ownership and distribution of land suitable for agriculture

Warriors were fully accepting of death in battle

The practice of “seppuku” was Warriors were expected to survive widely observed in the event that a battles. Only in the cause of warrior was disgraced defending their religion was glory and honor won through death in battle

The concept of “chivalry” was widely observed in relations between lords and vassals, between warrior and warrior, and between men and women

Any son or adopted heir could inherit his father’s property and title

The lord-vassal relationship was based on a moral code based on duty which could not be ignored

The lord-vassal relationship was based on a legal code which was often ignored

In the feudal system, women were expected to have a warrior’s attitude

In the feudal system, women were often just romantic figures and were considered to be fragile and inferior beings

Only the firstborn son could be heir Warriors had some interest in the to his father’s property and title arts and learning

Warriors showed some contempt for the arts and learning

Women oversaw the harvesting of crops, managed all the servants, and took over all financial business in times of disorder. Her opinions on matters of the family were respected

Women were confined to household tasks such as cooking, baking bread, sewing, weaving, needlepoint, and spinning