#7 Define and explain reasons for the development of feudalism
The Fujiwara clan was one of the strongest clans around the 800s and they were in control of Japan. In the 1100s the Fujiwara clan began to lose power and were running out of money. The landowners or daimyo refused to pay taxes to the government. This made the government weaker while the daimyo became stronger in power. After the Fujiwara clan fell, the daimyo gained more power. This is the beginning of the feudal system in Japan. The Daimyos were power hungry and went after others lands. To prevent other daimyo from taking their lands the daimyo hired soldiers called the samurai. The Samurai hired by the daimyo were not only used to defend themselves but to attack other daimyo as well. Some landowners had very small amounts of land and they didn't want to fight. So they formed alliances with the daimyo who controlled more land. This alliance was called a fealty.
Some of the Landowners were very powerful. One of these powerful daimyo was Yorimoto of the Minamoto family. Yorimoto fought many wars against other landowners and soon he gained control of Japan in 1192. He then became the first Shogun of Japan.
Yorimoto was supported by the daimyo who relied on samurais for protection. Over time though the Minamoto family found it very difficult to keep the country's daimyo and warriors in check. in 1336 Takauji Ashikaga gained control and had the Emperor name him Shogun. His rule was weak and his years of ruling were marked with constant warfare.
