What role did farmers, artisans, and merchants play in feudal Japan?(1 point)
Responses
Contributed but less valued.
Contributed but less valued.
Small minority.
Small minority.
Merchants valued most.
Merchants valued most.
Farmers, artisans, and merchants played a significant role in feudal Japan, but their status and value varied.
1. Farmers: Farmers made up the majority of the population in feudal Japan and contributed the most to the economy. They were responsible for cultivating the land, growing crops, and raising livestock to sustain the feudal society. While their role was essential, farmers were often considered to be of lower status and had limited social mobility.
2. Artisans: Artisans were skilled craftsmen and craftswomen who produced various goods and products. They played a crucial role in providing essential items such as pottery, textiles, weapons, and tools to both the feudal elite and commoners. Artisans were more valued than farmers but still held a lower social status compared to the samurai class.
3. Merchants: Merchants were involved in trade and commerce, importing and exporting goods to different regions. Despite being a small minority in feudal Japan, merchants were highly valued and enjoyed a relatively higher social status compared to farmers and artisans. Their economic influence and wealth often allowed them to engage in connections with the ruling classes and accumulate fortunes.
In conclusion, while all three groups - farmers, artisans, and merchants - were essential to the feudal Japanese society, merchants were generally valued the most, followed by artisans, and then farmers who, although contributing the most, were considered to have lower social status.