Samurai training and connection to Japanese culture (part 1) Bushido: Central to samurai training was the code of Bushido, which literally translates to "the way of the warrior." Bushido encompassed a set of ethical principles that governed the behavior and actions of samurai. These principles included loyalty to one's lord, courage in the face of adversity, honor, integrity, and self-discipline.

Martial Arts: Samurai were trained in various martial arts disciplines, including swordsmanship (kenjutsu), archery (kyujutsu), and unarmed combat (jujutsu). Swordsmanship, particularly the use of the katana, was considered the pinnacle of samurai martial skill. Training in these arts was not just about physical prowess but also about developing mental focus, strategy, and discipline.

Physical Conditioning: Samurai underwent rigorous physical training to build strength, endurance, and agility. This training included activities such as horseback riding, running, swimming, and weight training. Physical fitness was crucial for samurai, as they needed to be prepared for the demands of combat.

Mental Discipline: Samurai training also emphasized mental discipline and fortitude. This included meditation, mindfulness, and mental exercises aimed at developing concentration, resilience, and emotional control. Mental strength was considered just as important as physical strength on the battlefield.

Samurai training and connection to Japanese culture (part 2) Etiquette and Ritual: Samurai were expected to adhere to strict codes of etiquette and ritual in both their personal and professional lives. This included proper manners in social interactions, adherence to hierarchical protocols, and adherence to ceremonial practices. These customs reinforced the hierarchical structure of Japanese society and the importance of respect and deference.

Connection to Japanese Culture: The training of samurai was deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and history. Samurai were not just warriors but also scholars, poets, and artists, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Japan. The values of Bushido, including loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice, continue to resonate in Japanese culture to this day, influencing everything from literature and cinema to business practices and social norms.

Equal Field System This Chinese system allotted land to individuals and their families according to the land's fertility and the recipients' needs.

Chinese system during the Tang dynasty in which the goal was to ensure an equitable distribution of land.

Agricultural reform favoring the peasants under the Tang dynasty in China, inheritance system where 1/5 of the land when to the peasant's descendants and the rest went to the government.

Agriculture Industry Trade in Tang Dynasty

Agriculture Industry Trade in Song Dynasty

How Buddhism gained power in Tang/Song Dynasty

Patriarchy in Tang/Song Dynasty

Significance of 4 Chinese Inventions Gunpowder: Alchemists made it while trying to make life-extension elixirs. Military officials used it in battle; originally, it mostly just made noise, but it became more destructive through refinement.

Paper: Form-press-dry. More efficient to write on than papyrus and silk, allowed production of texts.

Printing: In early times wood blacks were inked and pressed onto paper. This method was popular even after the creation of movable type and quickly produced texts in large quantities.

Compass: Allowed sailors to navigate the seas clearly even when landmarks/land couldn't be seen, allowed the creation of detailed maps, and overall facilitated trade.

Empress Wu Empress Wu was an energetic and effective ruler who contradicted patriarchy because she held strong, unwavering authority over China despite rebellions and criticism.

Military and Leadership Strategies of Mongols Mongols had enormous power due to their cavalry that was skilled in horse-riding, archery, and outmaneuvering and overwhelming their opponents.

In times of war, elites (powerful leaders who arranged alliances between tribes) had absolute, strict authority over their forces

Mongol leaders invoked their "Mandate of Heaven" to gain loyal supporters

Mongols were ruthless and prioritized slaughtering their enemies over the victory itself

Trade and communication in Mongolian Empire Trade - The Mongol khans, despite their internal conflicts, ensured the safety of merchants travelling through their territories without being molested. Due to this safety, lands as distant as China and western Europe become directly linked for the first time.

Diplomatic Missions - The Mongols established close commercial communication and alliances via diplomatic embassies, along with diplomatic dealings with rulers from all of Eurasia. This peacemaking allowed lands to connect their peoples with the exchange of ideas.

Costs/Benefits on Mongolian Empire Costs - Not enough rainfall for agriculture, Persia and China faced harsh economic decline, spread of bubonic plague, no proper blacksmiths of their own for weapons/tools

Benefits - Commoners could become elites through display of outstanding conduct, women were trained to fight, merchant safety, status determined by talent, valor in battle = voice in government

Mongol gender roles Men were generally away on wars and were constantly fighting most of the time or participated in government/politics

Women managed domestic chores, organized herding, and were also skilled archers

Patriarchal, but women had more freedom than women of other societies

How Mongols were 'the exception' of pastoral peoples Mongols were fierce and had a powerful military with efficient tactics

Full religious tolerance, trade, and exchange of ideas and cultures (resettlement)

Able to organize and conquer one of the largest empires in history under Genghis Khan

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