Japanese History From 1185 to Essay

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The powers of the lords reduced a central government, but the overall loyalty to the Shogunates did protect the realm for 150 years, as well as act as an organizational tool for later Japanese governmental philosophy (Duus).

During the Kamikura period, there was also heavy influence from China in the exporting of Zen Buddhism. This view was popular, particularly among the samurai, which were now one of the leading social classes in the realm. Combining Buddhism with samurai traditions, for instance, allowed for a radical and intolerant sect, the Lotus Sutra, to grow in popularity from 1253 on. This Nichiren viewpoint remained and important force in Japan well into the 20th century (Buddhism).

Possibly due to the role of the Shogun and the need for order, the Shikimoku legal code arose in 1232 along with the traditions of the Samurai and the Bushido Code. Shikimoku stressed Confucian values like the importance of loyalty to the master, strict discipline and strong morality. This aligned quite well with the strong nature of Bushido, particularly in the way a warrior was to balance his life between preparing for warfare, and other intellectual activities like painting, literature, or writing poetry (Blomberg).


Finally, it was the efficiency and discipline of the Shogunates that helped defend Japan against the Mongols who, in 1266 under Kublai Khan, demanded tribute from Japan. When Japan refused, the Mongols invaded, once in 1274, then again in 1281. The Mongols were forced into retreat, largely due to adverse weather conditions. However, the implications of mounting continual defenses, warfare expenditures, neglect of farms and lands, and little profits during the period caused severe financial problems for the Shogun. By 1333, the Shogunate had declined enough that the Emperor Go-Daigo restored imperial power and overthrew the Shogunate, ending the feudal period in Japan (Kamakura Period).

REFERENCES

Buddhism. JapanGuide.com. 2008, Web. Retrieved from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2055.html.

Kamakura Period (1192-1333). JapaneGuide.com. 2008. Wed. Retrieved from: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2133.html

Blomberg, C. The Heart of the Warrior. New York: Routledge, 1995. Print.

Deal, W. Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan. New York: Oxford University Press. 2008. Print.

Duus, P. Feudalism in Japan. New York: McGraw Hill. 1993.….....

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