History The Feudal System Questions Medium
The Feudal System in Europe and Japan shared some similarities but also had significant differences.
Similarities:
1. Social Hierarchy: Both systems were based on a strict social hierarchy. In Europe, the hierarchy consisted of kings, nobles, knights, and peasants, while in Japan, it included the emperor, shogun, daimyo, samurai, and peasants.
2. Land Ownership: Both systems revolved around the concept of land ownership. The king or emperor owned all the land, and it was distributed among the nobles or daimyo, who in turn granted land to their vassals or samurai.
3. Military Service: Both systems required military service from the lower classes. Knights in Europe and samurai in Japan were expected to serve their lords in times of war.
Differences:
1. Political Structure: In Europe, the feudal system was decentralized, with power divided among various lords and nobles. In contrast, Japan had a more centralized feudal system, with the emperor as the figurehead and the shogun holding real power.
2. Code of Conduct: In Europe, the feudal system was governed by chivalry, a code of conduct that emphasized honor, loyalty, and bravery. In Japan, the samurai followed the Bushido code, which emphasized loyalty, self-discipline, and moral values.
3. Economic System: Europe had a predominantly agricultural economy, with peasants working on the land owned by the nobles. In Japan, the feudal system was supported by a combination of agriculture and a thriving merchant class.
4. Social Mobility: In Europe, social mobility was limited, and individuals were born into their social class. In Japan, there was some potential for upward mobility, as talented samurai could rise through the ranks and become daimyo.
Overall, while both Europe and Japan had feudal systems, the specific structures, codes of conduct, economic systems, and levels of social mobility differed significantly between the two regions.