Key Terms for History Exam

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms from the lecture notes for the upcoming History exam.

Uji & Be

Clans or groups in ancient Japan, where 'Uji' refers to a clan and 'Be' to a community of craftsmen or artisans.

Shinto

The indigenous spirituality of Japan, focused on kami (spirits) and rituals to connect with the divine.

Nara

The first permanent capital of Japan, established in 710, known for its historic temples and influence on Japanese culture.

Heian (Fujiwara) Era

A period from 794 to 1185 characterized by the flourishing of literature and art, particularly by the Fujiwara family.

Lady Murasaki Shikibu

Author of 'The Tale of Genji,' considered the world's first novel and a significant work of Japanese literature.

Geisha

Traditional female entertainers in Japan, skilled in performing arts, music, and conversation.

Yoshiwara

The famous red-light district in Edo (now Tokyo), known for its pleasure quarters and geisha houses.

Samurai/Bushi

The warrior class in feudal Japan, known for their code of honor (Bushido) and military skill.

Bakuhan

The system of governance in Edo period Japan, combining centralized shogunate rule with local daimyos.

Shogun

A military leader in Japan, historically the de facto ruler, with significant power over the emperor.

Seppuku

A form of ritual suicide by disembowelment, practiced by samurai as an honorable way to die.

Main Islands of Japan

The four largest islands of Japan: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Sengoku Period

A period of intense social upheaval and military conflict in Japan from the mid-15th to early 17th century.

Kojiki and Nihongi (Nihon Shoki)

Ancient historical texts of Japan that chronicle the country's mythology, history, and culture.

Westerners in Asia (prior to 19th century)

Refers to the European interactions with Asian countries before the 19th century, focusing on trade and cultural exchange.

Sword Hunt

A policy enacted by the ruler to confiscate weapons from the populace, aimed to control the samurai class and maintain peace.

Oda Nobunaga

A powerful feudal lord during the late 16th century who initiated the unification of Japan.

Hideyoshi

The successor to Oda Nobunaga, who completed the unification of Japan and implemented social and economic reforms.

Tokugawa Era

A period of relative peace and stability in Japan from 1603 to 1868, marked by isolationist foreign policy.

Battle of Sekigahara

A decisive battle in 1600 that established the Tokugawa shogunate and changed the course of Japanese history.

Sankin Kotai system

The policy requiring daimyos to alternate their residence between their domain and Edo, promoting loyalty to the shogunate.

House Daimyo & Outside Daimyo

Classes of feudal lords, with house daimyos directly under shogunal control and outside daimyos more autonomous.

Japanese arts (woodblock printing, ikebana, Noh, Kabuki, novel writing)

Traditional art forms in Japan, highlighting the cultural importance of visual arts, theatre, and literature.

Shimibara Rebellion

A peasant uprising in 1637-1638 in Japan, driven by religious persecution and socio-economic grievances.