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Essay / Comparison of Japanese and European Feudalism
The feudal system developed in European society during the medieval era between 800 and 1600, in contrast to the feudal system of Japan which began between 1000 and 1868. Feudalism is used in different regions of the world. Through the structure of government, European society developed steadily as Japanese culture began to emerge from its soil. However, since European feudalism began much earlier, the Japanese and European concepts are quite similar. Overall, there are many similarities and differences within the two feudal lords. Say no to plagiarism. Get Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay It is shocking news for all of us that Japanese feudalism is similar to European feudalism, even though it is 400 years apart years. In both eras, they were based on a so-called hereditary system of social status. Therefore, nobles are considered an upper class, continued by warriors, while left serfs and farmers are housed below the class. There were not enough opportunities for social mobility, the children of lords hoped to become ladies as well as lords, the child of a poor peasant would become peasants. In both feudal worlds, warfare ranked warriors as the most important class. Europe called them knights, unlike samurai in Japan, warriors tend to obey local lords. In both situations, the warrior followed the code of conduct. Therefore, knights had to obey the concept of chivalry while samurai had to follow the desires of bushido. Knights and samurai rode horses and wore armor. The knight's armor was made of metal plates or chain mail, while samurai wore leather and metal. Europeans wore heavier armor and samurai wore light armor with the disadvantage of having protection in battle. Another factor facing the European and Japanese systems was land ownership. Knights gained land through their military service while obeying that of the lord. Loyalty to the lords was placed on a very high virtue. On the other hand, the samurai did not own any land and paid in rice. Feudalism, lords and daimyos would build their castles to protect themselves with rounded walls for greater protection. Samurai women were more muscular than soft European women. European feudalism had a longer period, spanning from 800 to 1400. Meanwhile, Japanese feudalism began in 1192 and unfortunately died down in 1868. The European military was more advanced with various inventions such as the cannon and the longbow, which gave them an advantage in battle. . The knights were more intellectual and intelligent, as if the samurai were not as much. A knight's virtues were simply based on an agreement they made, rather than man's free will. Samurai used lighter armor in combat. They used small metal strips and plates poorly sewn together. As if religion, knights studied Christianity, while samurai studied Buddhism. Samurai would take the path of suicide rather than face defeat, knights would be captured and exchanged to fight even more. The samurai would not fight their people, the knights would physically attack the lower class and their property. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get now.