Feudalism; the dominant social system in which Japan and Europe created

during the middle ages to keep order in the land. Peasants working all day just so
the can upgrade to a batter class in the society. Lords and lesser lords receiving
land in exchange for protection of Kings and Emperors. But most of all the
warrior's, heart of the social class and the feudal system. Japans samurai along
with Europes knights. They both start training in their childhood always staying
loyal to their masters and code. Fighting wars and battles, saving and protecting
cities, until they take their last breath. Dying with dignity, honor, and pride.
Samurai and Knights of feudalism had both similarities and differences. However,
I think the differences outweigh the similarities.
.
The differences were greater because they stand out as more significant and
important than the similarities. To start out, the training methods of Samurai and
Knighthood are more different than similar. In Japan the training was started with
spiritual and physical discipline. The learned Kendo for many years and mastered
this this art of fencing. At the age 14 they become Samurai's officially and end
their training. In contrast, European training was taught over a longer period of
time. When they were at the age of 7 they were sent to a powerful relative to
practice their discipline. By age 14 they were eligible to become a squire, and train
7 more years to prepare for battle and worthiness.When they were 21 years old
they could qualify as knights. Another major difference is the armor. Most people
can identify the differences in their clothing, but here are the exact clothing pieces
that are different. Document D said that the samurais armour had, The helmet
bowl was made of 8 to 12 iron plates The body of the armour had four parts.
Samurai didnt wear armour of their right arm dos they could easily draw their
bow. One disadvantage of the samurai armor is that when ir because wet, the silk
cords absorbed and became very heavy. Document D also provided this quote,
Knights wore armor made of chain mail. As more powerful weapons chain mail
was no longer sufficient protection. In response, knights began to wear complete
sots of plate armor, constructed from metal. Not only was the entire body covered,
but nights also wore helmets gloves, and shows of steel. Even horses wore armour.
A knight's armor would weigh 40 to 60 pounds. These two quotes describe their
armour/clothing, and stated in the quotes, there are clearly many differences. One
clear difference that the Samurai didnt wear clothing on their right arm, when the
Knights clearly did. Another obvious difference was Samurai armour was made out
of several iron plates, while knight armour was made out of chain mail. Overall,
there are many more differences than similarities. Samurai armor was more
traditional and natural. It was made of leather, silk, and iron. The right arm was not
covered for more mobility, like firing an arrow, and a disadvantage was that it
absorbed water and became heavy when wet. Therefore limiting the setting of
battles. Knight armor was based more on sturdy metals. At first, they used chain
mail, but as arrows were used more, chainmail as no longer effective. So, they
began to wear full suits of metal, weighing up to 60 pounds. Furthermore, the
Japanese and European views on death differed as well. The Samurai view death as
a peaceful sleep. They saw it as any other event that may happen, and death was
simply their time. However, Knights perspective of death was a time to beg God
for mercy and for people to have pity. They thought of it as a time of mourning and
sympathy to be given to them for it was their long lived death. These are only three
out of many important contrasts between the Samurai and the Knights.

One could write that the similarities are greater because of the history and
more distinct value of comparison. They might say that the social pyramids are
more similar because of the same placings of peasants and merchants. However, it
is more important that both societies had different types of rulers. The emperor's
versus the Popes. They are the ones with the most power and decision compared to
the peasants who work in the farms. They might also say that the codes of Bushido
and Chivalry are more similar because they both state the same moral principles of
loyalty, strength, bravery, and courtesy. However, it is more important that the
Knights believed in mercy while the Samurai did not. Additionally, it might be said
that their loyalty is similar because they chose their feudal lords based on
hereditary. Clearly, with these similarities that have been stated, the level of
difference in contrast is more compelling.

Between the Samurai and the Knights, they can be compared and contrasted.
Both feudal systems of Japan and Europe are similar to a point. However, there are
not only more differences, but more significant and important differences between
them. In conclusion the differences between these two feudal systems are greater
than the similarities.