Name:
Date:
Period:
Comparing Feudal Systems:
Japan and Europe
Directions: In this activity you will analyze specific factual information in order to compose a valid
comparative thesis which addresses the essay prompt.
1. Read over the pieces of SFI and determine which are factually relevant to Japan and Europe,
respectively.
2. Categorize and organize the SFI into valid groups of similarities and differences, using the essay
prompt to determine which direct comparisons address the question.
3. Create a title for each of your SFI categories (e.g. “Role of Religion”).
4. Using your chosen titles for each category of SFI, compose a valid thesis which addresses the essay
prompt.
Essay Prompt:
“From the 9th to the 15th centuries, Japanese and European society was increasingly feudal in
nature. Analyze the similarities and differences in the nature of feudalism in these two regions.”
SFI Categories:
Similarities:
SFI (Japan):
SFI (Europe):
Differences:
SFI (Japan):
SFI (Europe):
Thesis Statement:
Samurai – warrior who lived by
codes of honor and who
emphasized bravery and honor in
battle and in life
Knight – warrior who lived by
codes of honor and who
emphasized bravery and honor in
battle and in life
The lord-vassal relationship was an
important part of the feudal
system. The lord provided
protection and aid to the vassal,
who in turn provided military
service to the lord
Family lineage was an important
part of the feudal system. Property
and status were transferred within
families and alliances were built
through intermarriage
The basis of feudal power was the
ownership and distribution of land
suitable for agriculture
Warriors were fully accepting of
death in battle
The practice of “seppuku” was
Warriors were expected to survive
widely observed in the event that a battles. Only in the cause of
warrior was disgraced
defending their religion was glory
and honor won through death in
battle
The concept of “chivalry” was
widely observed in relations
between lords and vassals,
between warrior and warrior, and
between men and women
Any son or adopted heir could
inherit his father’s property and
title
The lord-vassal relationship was
based on a moral code based on
duty which could not be ignored
The lord-vassal relationship was
based on a legal code which was
often ignored
In the feudal system, women were
expected to have a warrior’s
attitude
In the feudal system, women were
often just romantic figures and
were considered to be fragile and
inferior beings
Only the firstborn son could be heir Warriors had some interest in the
to his father’s property and title
arts and learning
Warriors showed some contempt
for the arts and learning
Women oversaw the harvesting of
crops, managed all the servants,
and took over all financial business
in times of disorder. Her opinions
on matters of the family were
respected
Women were confined to
household tasks such as cooking,
baking bread, sewing, weaving,
needlepoint, and spinning