How did the Japanese imperial court system of appointing government officials result in the rise of the Fujiwara family?
The Japanese imperial court system of appointing government officials was based on the principle of kuge (court nobles), which meant that families with noble status were given preference in appointing a government official. The Fujiwara clan, who were descendants of the imperial clan and held the highest court rank, gradually became the most powerful family in Japan due to this system of appointment.
Their control of the imperial court enabled them to selectively appoint members of their family to positions of power within the government. This led to the Fujiwara clan occupying the highest positions in the government, such as the position of regent (sesshÅ) and chief advisor (kampaku), during the Heian period (794-1185).
Additionally, the Fujiwara's strategic marriages with members of the imperial family further solidified their power and influence within the government. These marriages allowed them to control the succession of emperors and ensured that their family would remain in power for generations.
Overall, the Japanese imperial court system of appointing government officials gave the Fujiwara family an opportunity to gain power and influence within the government, which they used to maintain their dominance for over 400 years.