Lesson 2 - Nara and Heian

Question 1

What were the impacts of the Nara and Heian?

Answer 1

• A centralized government
  - Where a central group or small group of individuals rule
  - Power is at the top
  - Example: Ancient Egypt when Menes united upper and lower
• Buddhism
• Taino code
  - Administrative and penal (punishment) code
  - Helped establish the central government
• New capitals
  - Better supplies and communication

Question 2

What are some points about the Nara period?

Answer 2

• Lasted from 710 - 794
• Centralised government
• Fujiwara clan
• Writing
• Taika reforms - reforms saying they need a centralized government
• Religion (Buddhism)
• Divine rule (emperor)

Question 3

What are some points about the Heian period?

Answer 3

• From 784 - 1195
• Massive political changes
• Fujiwara clan had power
• Art + literature
• Daimyos + Shoguns + samurais
• Military clans
• Genpei war

Question 4

What is some points about the brief background?

Answer 4

• From the 6th century - the 12th century was ruled by an emperor
• Emperor = head of state (like a monarch, king, etc)
• Also frequent periods where competing armies fought for control over the government

Question 5

What was the order of the feudal system?

Answer 5

emperor
l
l
daimyos + shoguns
l
l
samurai
l
l
peasants
l
l
merchants

Question 6

What are some points about emperors and others?

Answer 6

• The emperor maintained his power during the Heian period with support from the daimyo
  - Daimyo —-> the lords or nobles who sent out to manage provinces
  - They kept their open-armed guards for protection
  - Bushi —-> warriors
  - Samurai —-> retainers: people owing services
  - Became rich from crops growth on their estates and the taxes they collected
• As the power of the emperor weekend in the 12th c, some powerful daimyos took the opportunity to try and seize power

Question 7

What are some points about shogunites rising to power?

Answer 7

• 30 years of fighting (1156 - 1185) between warlords and their followers
  - A warlord is a strong leader able to exercise military, economic and political control over a territory because of their ability to memorize loyal armed forces

Question 8

What are some points about the Genpei War?

Answer 8

• The Genpei war (1180 - 1185)
  - Civil war between the Taira and Minimato cleans during the Heian period
  - Led to the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate