| Essay Questions on Edo Japan |
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| Student Handouts > World History > Edo Japan (Tokugawa Shogunate) > Edo Japan Worksheets |
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Writing Exercises I: Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences. 1 How has geography influenced the history of Japan? Japan's geography has deeply influenced its history. As an island nation with mountainous terrain, Japan developed a strong sense of cultural identity and political independence. The sea provided natural protection from invasions, but also enabled trade and cultural exchange with China and Korea. Limited arable land led to population concentration in coastal areas and encouraged efficient agriculture and resource management. Natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis have also shaped Japanese resilience and innovation. 2 Compare and contrast European and Japanese feudalism. European and Japanese feudalism both featured hierarchical systems based on land ownership, loyalty, and military service. In both, warriors--knights in Europe and samurai in Japan--served lords in exchange for land or privileges. However, European feudalism was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, while Japanese feudalism was shaped more by Buddhism and Shinto. Japanese feudalism also remained more centralized under the shogunate, while Europe had a more fragmented political structure. 3 What cultural traditions emerged during the Japanese feudal period? During the Japanese feudal period, several rich cultural traditions emerged. The samurai class developed Bushido, a strict code of honor and discipline. Zen Buddhism influenced art, meditation, and architecture. Noh and Kabuki theater became popular forms of performance, while haiku poetry flourished as a refined literary form. Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and ink painting also became important, reflecting values of simplicity, harmony, and respect in Japanese aesthetics. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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Writing Exercises II: Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences. 1 What changes took place in Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate? During the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan experienced over 250 years of peace and stability. The country was unified under a centralized feudal government, and strict social classes were enforced. Foreign influence was limited through the policy of sakoku (isolation), reducing outside trade and contact. Economically, cities grew, and culture flourished, especially in theater, art, and literature. Urban merchant classes gained wealth, even as social mobility remained restricted. 2 Why did Japanese rulers decide to cut off Japan from the rest of the world? Japanese rulers, particularly under the Tokugawa shogunate, decided to cut off Japan from the rest of the world to maintain political stability and protect their authority. They feared foreign influence, especially the spread of Christianity, which threatened traditional beliefs and loyalty to the shogun. By enforcing the sakoku (closed country) policy, they limited foreign trade and contact, aiming to preserve Japan’s culture, social order, and independence. 3 Describe the role of the daimyo in feudal Japan. In feudal Japan, the daimyo were powerful landowning lords who ruled over large territories and commanded private armies of samurai. They pledged loyalty to the shogun but operated with considerable independence within their domains. The daimyo collected taxes, enforced laws, and maintained order. During the Tokugawa period, they were closely monitored through the sankin-kotai system, which required them to spend every other year in Edo to prevent rebellion. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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Writing Exercises III: Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences. 1 What is a tsunami? A tsunami is a series of large, powerful ocean waves caused by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These waves can travel across vast distances at high speeds and grow significantly in height as they approach shallow coastal areas. Tsunamis can cause widespread destruction, flooding, and loss of life, especially in coastal communities that have little warning before the waves strike. 2 Define the term bushido. Bushido was the code of honor and conduct followed by the samurai class in feudal Japan. It emphasized loyalty, courage, self-discipline, and respect, especially toward one's lord and family. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto beliefs, bushido shaped samurai behavior both in battle and daily life. The values of bushido also influenced Japanese culture more broadly, promoting ideals of duty, honor, and personal integrity that persisted beyond the samurai era. 3 Describe the role of the samurai in feudal Japan. The samurai were the warrior class in feudal Japan, serving the daimyo and shogun with loyalty and military skill. Trained in martial arts and strategy, they protected their lords' land and enforced order. Samurai followed the code of bushido, which emphasized honor, bravery, and discipline. Beyond warfare, they often held administrative roles, helping govern local areas. Their influence shaped Japan’s military, political, and cultural traditions for centuries. Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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