Humanities Exam revision flashcards shuffled

What was the role of the shogun in Japan?

The shogun was the military leader who held power over Japan, acting as the one who held authority while the emperor remained a figurehead.

What was the role of the samurai in Japanese society?

Samurai were elite warriors who served the shogun and daimyo, following the code of bushido and providing military service.

How did the Tokugawa shogunate unify Japan and establish a period of peace?

The Tokugawa shogunate unified Japan through a rigid class structure and control over the daimyos, leading to the Edo period of peace.

How did the arrival of Europeans in Japan impact the country?

The arrival of Europeans introduced new technologies and Christianity, influencing trade and culture but also leading to isolationist policies.

What role did the daimyo play in the Japanese feudal system?

Daimyo were powerful feudal lords who owned land and held authority over samurai and peasants, vassals to the shogun.

Describe the relationship between the shogun and the emperor.

The emperor was a symbolic figurehead while the shogun held actual political and military power; they shared power but the shogun was dominant.

Define bushido.

Bushido is the code of conduct for samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, and bravery.

Why was loyalty important for the samurai?

Loyalty was crucial for samurai as they were expected to be loyal to their daimyo and the shogun, reflecting their honor.

Explain one reason Japan chose to isolate itself from the rest of the world during the Edo period.

Japan isolated itself to preserve its culture and prevent foreign influence, particularly from Christianity.

Which two countries were allowed limited trade with Japan under sakoku?

The Netherlands and China were allowed limited trade with Japan, primarily at Nagasaki.

How did isolationism impact Japanese culture and society during the Tokugawa period?

Isolationism led to a unique cultural development, with art, literature, and customs flourishing in a controlled environment.

Why were merchants considered to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy, despite their wealth?

Merchants were seen as low in status because their wealth was not associated with land ownership or noble lineage.

Why did the merchant class grow wealthier during Japan’s period of isolation?

The merchant class grew wealthier as they monopolized trade and commerce in a closed economy.

What was the role of a knight in medieval Europe?

Knights were mounted warriors who served lords in exchange for land and protection, typically sworn to feudal allegiances.

Explain the feudal system in medieval Europe.

The feudal system was a hierarchical structure where land was exchanged for loyalty and military service among lords, vassals, and serfs.

What was the role of a lord in medieval Europe?

Lords were landowners who granted land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service.

How did lords acquire and maintain their power?

Lords acquired power through land ownership and maintained it by forming alliances and providing protection to their vassals.

What was the role of the Catholic Church in medieval Europe?

The Catholic Church played a central role in daily life, influencing politics, education, and morality.

What were some of the challenges faced by people living in medieval Europe?

Challenges included frequent wars, famine, disease, and limited access to education.

What was feudalism, and why was it important in medieval society?

Feudalism was a social system that structured society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service.

Why were serfs considered the lowest rank in the feudal system?

Serfs were bound to the land they worked on and had few rights, serving the lords without the freedom of mobility.

What was a manor, and why was it important in the Middle Ages?

A manor was a self-sufficient estate that included the lord's residence, farmland, and serfs; it was an economic hub of the feudal system.

How did the Church control knowledge and education during the Middle Ages?

The Church controlled education and knowledge by establishing schools and monasteries, dictating religious and moral teachings.

What was trial by ordeal?

Trial by ordeal was a method of justice where the accused underwent painful tests to determine guilt or innocence.

Describe trial by combat.

Trial by combat involved knights or warriors fighting to settle disputes, with the outcome seen as divine judgment.

How were disputes settled under the feudal system?

Disputes were settled through local lords, who acted as judges, often through combat or other tests.

What were some of the punishments used for crimes in the Middle Ages?

Punishments included fines, imprisonment, public humiliation, and physical penalties such as flogging or execution.

Name two famous Renaissance artists and their works.

Leonardo da Vinci (Mona Lisa) and Michelangelo (David) are two famous Renaissance artists.

Define humanism.

Humanism is an artistic movement which adds more humanistic features into art.

How did the invention of the printing press impact the spread of Renaissance art and ideas?

The printing press revolutionized the spread of ideas by making books more accessible and affordable, facilitating widespread literacy.

What role did patronage play in the development of Renaissance art?

Patronage from wealthy families and institutions funded artists, allowing greater freedom and creativity in their work.

What were some common themes in Renaissance art?

Common themes included religious subjects, human anatomy, perspective, and classical mythology.

How did the Renaissance contribute to scientific thought?

The Renaissance fostered inquiry and observation, leading to significant advancements in science and the scientific method.

What challenges did Renaissance artists and thinkers face?

Challenges included censorship, competition for patronage, and resistance from traditional authorities.

How did humanism differ from the religious focus of the Middle Ages?

Humanism focused on human achievements and experiences, while the Middle Ages emphasized religious doctrine and spirituality.

Name one famous humanist from the Renaissance.

Erasmus was a famous humanist known for his writings on religion and education.

How did Renaissance writers influence literature and culture?

Renaissance writers, like Dante and Shakespeare, explored human experience and emotion, profoundly shaping modern literature and culture.

What is perspective in art?

Perspective is a technique used in art to create the illusion of depth and volume on a flat surface.

Who invented the printing press?

Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, revolutionizing the dissemination of knowledge.

Who were the Medicis?

The Medicis were a wealthy banking family that significantly influenced the arts and politics in Florence during the Renaissance.

Why did artists and scientists depend on patrons?

Artists and scientists depended on patrons for financial support to pursue their work, allowing them to focus on creativity and innovation.

What was the Renaissance?

The Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual revival in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, focusing on art, literature, and science.

Art and Literature in the Renaissance?

Renaissance art and literature emphasized humanism, classical themes, and new techniques like perspective, resulting in masterpieces.

Scientific Inquiry and Exploration during the Renaissance?

Renaissance scientific inquiry was characterized by empirical observation, questioning of traditional beliefs, and advancements in fields like anatomy and astronomy.

Political changes in the Renaissance?

The Renaissance saw the rise of nation-states, increased secularism, and the questioning of traditional authority, leading to more centralized governance.

Manor system in medieval Europe?

The manor system was an economic structure where lords owned land and serfs worked it in exchange for protection and a place to live.

What was the Church's influence in medieval Europe?

The Church influenced politics, education, and morality, serving as a unifying force and the main authority in daily life.

How were laws enforced in medieval Europe?

Laws were enforced by local lords who acted as judges, often settling disputes through combat or trial by ordeal.

What is feudalism?

Feudalism is a hierarchical system where land ownership determined social structure, with lords, vassals, and serfs.

What was the shogunate in Japan?

The shogunate was a military government led by a shogun, controlling Japan while the emperor remained a symbolic figure.

What was Japan's policy of isolationism?

Japan's policy of isolationism, known as sakoku, restricted foreign influence and trade to preserve culture and stability.

What was the social hierarchy in Japan?

The social hierarchy consisted of the emperor, shogun, daimyo, samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, with merchants at the bottom.

How did the merchant class rise in Japan?

The merchant class gained wealth during Japan's isolation by monopolizing trade and benefiting from a closed economy.