The feudal period of Japan lasted from the 12th century through the 19th century. During this time, Japan was ruled by the daimyo, which were powerful families that controlled different regions. The Japanese military was ruled by a war lord known as the shogun. These leaders gave the emperor a figurehead position in the government, which meant he was a leader in name only.
In 1185, the Kamakura period began in Japan. During the Kamakura period, a new form of governance started, which marked the beginning of the “medieval” era in Japan. This era lasted nearly 700 years. From this point, all civil, military, and legal issues were controlled by the shogun. The emperor, court, and traditional government were allowed to remain in government; however, the leaders had little political power.
During the shogun Kamakura era, there was a shift from rule by royalty to rule by military leaders. The shogun era government was called the bakufu, which means “tent government.” The establishment of the bakufu style of government marked the beginning of the “Japanese Middle Ages.”
7
Who held the power in feudal Japan?
A.
the peasants
B.
the court
C.
the military
D.
the royalty