Comparison of Japanese and European Feudalism Essay Sample

In her essay “Comparison of Japanese and European Feudalism,” author Stephanie K. Martinez provides an in-depth look at the similarities and differences between the feudal systems of Europe and Japan. Both systems were based on a hereditary social hierarchy, with nobles at the top, warriors below them, and serfs and farmers at the bottom. There was little opportunity for social mobility, and the children of lords expected to become ladies and lords, while the children of peasants became peasants. Both systems were based on warfare, with knights and samurai being the most prominent class. Knights were loyal to their lords and followed the code of chivalry, while samurai were loyal to their daimyo and followed the code of bushido. European knights rode