Glencoe World History

"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

Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window.
Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips.

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.

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.