Worksheet 5:  Doing a Comparative Analysis

 

 

Date:                                       Group Members:      

 

 

Your original problem (phrase):

 

Lack of safety and basic government services after the fall of Rome.

 

 

1.   State a problem from another time period that is similar to your original problem and include the time period

 

      Lack of a strong central government to unify and protect Japan

 

 

2.   Present evidence that a problem exists.  Be as specific as possible and cite at least one source of data:

 

  • The Mongols attacked northern Kyushu in 1274 and 1281.
  • In Japan, (13th century), the emperor’s power had been replaced by bakufu (tent governments)
  • Constant feuding among different clans and rebellions throughout the island. 

 

 

3.   Briefly list several underlying factors that contribute to the problem that you have identified :

 

  • Corruption under the Fujiwara and Taira clans.
  • The imperial court being distracted by cultural pursuits.
  • A decline of morals and discipline within society

 

 

4.   State a major policy that was implemented to address this problem and summarize its advantages and disadvantages:

 

  • Japan was united under Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu
  • Good relations were established with Ming China
  • Domestic production increased.
  • Land was parceled out to the powerful families in return for their loyalty to the Shogun.

 

 

5.   Analyze and discuss the major similarities and difference between the two social problems, their causes, and the effectiveness of the policies implemented. 

 

In both Europe after the Fall of the Roman Empire and Japan in the 13th Century, a power vacuum occurred which led to insecurity among the people and economic and social decline.  New relationships between kings/emperors and powerful regional leaders created similar systems consisting of feudal arrangements in which loyalty to a central authority was given in return for stability at the local level.  Japan’s development was helped by its geographical isolation while in Europe there was more contact and rivalry between the emerging states.  European leaders embarked on more external military campaigns.

 

6.      What lessons have you learned from doing this comparative analysis?

 

Different parts of the world faced similar problems but at different times.  The cultural, geographic and religious situations also led to different policies.