Land ownership forms basis of all feudal societies Both were fixed caste systems—a peasant was always born to peasants, and lords were always born to lords Both knights and samurai swore fealty (loyalty) to their lords Knights and samurai were militarily responsible for protecting those beneath them as a service to their lords

European Feudalism Began in 800 CE Based on Christianity and Roman law Centralized political system which led to strong hierarchy of monarch to lord Began in 1200 CE Based on Buddhism and Confucian law Decentralized political system which led to lip service loyalty to emperor but far greater independence for lords Japanese Feudalism

European Feudalism Large number of peasants/agricultural workers Code of chivalry for knights included survival (except Crusades) and putting women on a pedestal Small number of agricultural workers Code of “chivalry” called Bushido included sepukko (hari-kari) and required women to be tough Japanese Feudalism