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Question
What was one main difference between Japanese and European feudalism?
(1 point)
Responses
Japanese feudalism emerged out of a period of violence; European feudalism did not.
Japanese feudalism emerged out of a period of violence; European feudalism did not.
Japanese feudalism was influenced by religions other than Christianity.
Japanese feudalism was influenced by religions other than Christianity.
European feudalism involved the exchange of land for services; Japanese feudalism did not.
European feudalism involved the exchange of land for services; Japanese feudalism did not.
Japanese samurai and European knights did not follow similar codes of conduct.
Japanese samurai and European knights did not follow similar codes of conduct.
One main difference between Japanese and European feudalism is:
Japanese feudalism was influenced by religions other than Christianity.
Explanation:
While European feudalism was heavily influenced by and intertwined with Christianity (which played a significant role in shaping its institutions, values, and culture), Japanese feudalism was influenced by indigenous belief systems like Shinto, as well as Buddhism and Confucianism. These non-Christian religious and philosophical traditions significantly impacted the social hierarchies, the expectations of loyalty, and the personal codes of honor within Japanese feudal society, such as Bushido for the samurai class.
The other options are either incorrect or overly simplistic:
- Both Japanese and European feudalism emerged out of periods of violence and internal strife. In Europe, the decentralization of power following the fall of the Roman Empire and the frequent invasions created a need for local protection and governance, leading to a feudal system. Similarly, Japan's feudal system developed during a time of fragmentation and warfare amongst local warlords.
- Both European and Japanese feudalism involved an exchange of land for services. In Europe, this was evident in the fiefdom system where lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service. In Japan, a similar system existed where daimyos (feudal lords) granted land to samurai in return for their service and loyalty.
- Though there were differences between the code of chivalry followed by European knights and the Bushido code of the samurai, both warrior classes did follow strict codes of conduct that emphasized honor, bravery, and loyalty. So, it is inaccurate to say that they did not follow similar codes. The codes were culturally distinct but shared many overlapping values.