Chapter 16, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 16: The East Asian World, 1400–1800
"Bushido in the Time of the Shoguns"

Introduction
The world of the shoguns was the world of the warrior code known as "bushido," literally "the way of the warrior." In this activity you will learn about the central role of bushido in the lives of the samurai, the most powerful Japanese social class during the time of the Shoguns.

Destination Title: Bushido: The Way of the Warrior

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Directions

Start at the Bushido: The Way of the Warrior Web site.

Read the article, taking notes as you read.
Also read about "The Samurai Creed" and "Bushido Today" by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page.

After you have read the material, answer the following questions.

1. What was Zen's contribution to bushido?

2. What were the meaning and significance of "Bushi no ichi-gon"?

3. Which religious tradition contributed to bushido the concepts of loyalty and patriotism?

4. How did the samurai differ with the writings of Confucius?

5. Imagine that you are a shogun wishing to recruit more samurai warriors. Based on what you have learned in your textbook and on the Web site, on a separate piece of paper design a recruitment pamphlet. Make sure you outline the tasks and responsibilities of a samurai and include any values that are particular to the buchido.