Japan What do you know of Japan’s history? What do you use from Japan on a daily basis? Do you know how similar they were to the rest of the world at that time?

The Far East – Feudal Japan __________________________________________________________

Tokugawa Shogunate By the 1500's much of the power in Japan was heavily divided and feudal lords fought among themselves Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), was able to put an end to all the fighting unify almost all political power in Japan under them prevented any of the local lords from amassing too much power.

Tokugawa Shogunate Distrusted of Western Europe Strong avoidance of anything to do with Christianity ban on all Christian missionaries entering the country. dominant religion in Japan was Confucianism Act of Seclusion 1636, Japan did not trade at all with western countries for the next 200 years Except for the Dutch… Objective was trade, NOT Spreading Christianity

European Feudalism: King Lords / Vassals Knights Peasants ________________________________________________________ King Lords / Vassals Knights Peasants

Feudal Japan: Emperor / Shogun Daimyo Samurai Peasants ________________________________________________________ Emperor / Shogun Daimyo Samurai Peasants

12% 88% Feudal Japan: Break it down! Emperor / Shogun Daimyo Samurai ________________________________________________________ Break it down! Emperor / Shogun 12% Daimyo Samurai Peasants 88%

Feudal Japan: Emperor and Shogun: ________________________________________________________ Emperor and Shogun: Highest positions in Japanese feudalism Emperor was largely ceremonial/spiritual leader – (had little power) Shogun was the political/military ruler of Japan Flag of the Emperor Seal of the Shogun

The most powerful daimyo sometimes achieved the status of Shogun! Feudal Japan: ________________________________________________________ Daimyo: Powerful, landowning warlords who ruled under the Shogun Had armies to protect their land and the workers on it Had complete military and economic power over their land The most powerful daimyo sometimes achieved the status of Shogun!

Feudal Japan: Samurai: Daimyo armies were made up of Samurai ________________________________________________________ Samurai: I’m sorry, I’m having a hard time hearing you over the sound of how awesome I am. Daimyo armies were made up of Samurai Lived by a strict code of honor called bushido – (“way of the warrior”) Women were allowed to serve as Samurai, but always under a male leader

Feudal Japan: Samurai: ________________________________________________________ Samurai:

Feudal Japan: Samurai: ________________________________________________________ Samurai:

Feudal Japan: Knights vs. Samurai! ________________________________________________________ Knights vs. Samurai! Europeans designed their armor to defeat swords; the Japanese designed their swords to defeat armor I’m the tank of the Middle Ages – slow and clunky, but tough to bring down! I’m fast and lightweight, but that’s because my armor is mostly for show.

Prepare to have your mind blown: Anybody see where this is going? Feudal Japan: ________________________________________________________ Prepare to have your mind blown: Take a samurai helmet… Smooth it out a little bit… Anybody see where this is going?

Prepare to have your mind blown: HOLYCRAPDARTHVADERISASAMURAI! Feudal Japan: ________________________________________________________ Prepare to have your mind blown: HOLYCRAPDARTHVADERISASAMURAI!

Divided into several further classes: Feudal Japan: ________________________________________________________ Peasants: Divided into several further classes: Farmers – most important because they provided food Craftsmen – second because they at least made something Merchants – lowest because they profited from the work of others Don’t hate the player…

Feudal Japan: The Failed Mongol Invasions: ________________________________________________________ The Failed Mongol Invasions: 13th century Mongols, led by Kublai Khan two major invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 AD However, on both occasions, a massive typhoon (tropical cyclone) obliterated the Mongol fleet, forcing the attackers to abandon their plans and fortuitously saving Japan from foreign conquest. 

Feudal Japan: The Failed Mongol Invasions: ________________________________________________________ The Failed Mongol Invasions: The First Mongol Invasion of Japan Autumn of 1274, the Mongols launched their first invasion on Japan, which has become known as the Battle of Bun'ei. estimated 500 to 900 vessels and 40,000 warriors. The Mongols devastated the Japanese forces who began to retreat. However, fearing the Japanese were getting ready to return with reinforcements, the Mongols retreated to their ships. That night, the typhoon struck as the ships lay at anchor in Hakata Bay.  By daybreak, only a few ships remained. The rest were destroyed, taking the lives of thousands of Mongols with them.

Feudal Japan: The Failed Mongol Invasions: ________________________________________________________ The Failed Mongol Invasions: The Second Mongol Invasion of Japan Japan built two metre high walls to protect themselves from future attacks. 7 years later, Mongols returned with an enormous fleet of 4,400 ships and an estimated 70,000 to 140,000 soldiers. Unable to find any suitable landing beaches due to the walls, the fleet stayed afloat for months and depleted their supplies On August 15, the Mongols prepared to launch their assault on the much smaller Japanese forces defending the island However, once again, a massive typhoon hit, wrecking the Mongol fleet and once again foiling the invasion attempt.

Feudal Japan: So, what’s this all lead to… ________________________________________________________ So, what’s this all lead to…

Feudal Japan: So, what’s this all lead to… ________________________________________________________ So, what’s this all lead to…