World Civilizations

Who are the Jesuits?

Society of Jesus 1534—Ignatius of Loyola Part of the Counter-Reformation Become powerful force in Catholic

Europe Resentments among both

secular/spiritual elements in society

Missions in Latin America Very controversial Seen as interfering with local colonial

affairs Took unpopular positions toward native

groups Territories in Paraguay were essentially

self-governing Nominal Spanish control Operated on a theocratic model

Jesuit Missions

Modern Paraguay

Role of Politics Spanish/Portuguese in the New World Competing empires By 18th century, both empires were in

significant decline. Depend on wealth flowing from New

World to support imperial policies at home.

Life in colonies was very hierarchical Very clear social structure

Treaty of Madrid

Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

Feudal Japan

Period of considerable political instability

Emperor and Shogun (Emperor’s representative) had limited power.

Authority was very decentralized in hands of local warlords.

Warlords employed private armies to increase power

Samurai

Japanese warrior class Selective group—in a hierarchical

society Bushido Code

Way of life Samurai limited by societal

requirements

Relationship with peasantry

Lower rung of social hierarchy than samurai

Taxed heavily throughout this period in Japanese history

Rice tax Samurai typically paid in rice Creates resentment on both sides

Akira Kurosawa

Tells very effective story about Japanese history Tale of social pressures and

hierarchical divisions Reveals much about the social

tensions in feudal Japan. Also talking about modern Japan.

Initial Questions about the film

Medieval period in Japan

Time of constant warfare Feudal lords and other samurai

constantly fighting Daimyos or warlords have real

control in Japan. Daimyos with most samurai control

most territory.

Who are Samurai? Military elite in Japanese society Comes from Japanese word “to

serve” Aspire to rise to status of Diamyo Typical role was similar to a knight

in European feudal society. Adherence to the seven virtues

Morality, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, loyalty

Concept of Bushido

Way of the warrior Emphasized role of samurai in

Japanese society

Role of peasant farmers Backbone of Japanese society Produce food for upper classes in

society Heavily exploited—high taxes Win and lose in times of instability

No central administration to tax Vulnerable to attack by rogue groups

of samurai

Relationship between samurai and farmers Mutual distrust Farmers feel heavily exploited by upper

classes Unfair taxes Repressive social structure

Samurai feel that farmers are cheating them Hoarding goods Not living up to obligations Lack respectability

Andrei Rublev

Discussion of early Russian history Focus on the Eastern and Western

roots of Russia Role of religion of historic and

modern Russia.

Who was Andrei Rublev? Considered greatest of Russian

medieval icon painters. Little is really known about his life other

than his works. He is little more than a vehicle to carry

the story forward. Reflects link between political and

religious life in Russian society. Can also be used as a metaphor for

modern Russia.

Russian history background Russians descended from a people

known as the Roos—centered in Ukraine.

Heavily influenced by Viking trading partnerships.

Russian peoples expanded territory from 10th to 12th centuries, but not politically united.

Most powerful leader of Rus was Vladimir Received delegations from various

religions hoping to convert the Russians. Vladimir choses Greek Orthodox faith Establishes ties to Byzantine Empire

After Vladimir, Kiev will decline in significance.

Emergence of Mongol Rule (1240’s-1480) Mongol armies from East invade

Russia in 1200’s. Russian cities become tribute paying

territories with part of Mongol Empire known as the Golden Horde.

Russia is remote from the West at this time.

Time of relative peace and prosperity.

Russian liberation Increasingly prosperous Russian

cities grow in power and influence. Led by Moscow, Mongol forces will

be gradually driven out of Russia. Under leadership of Ivan the Great

all of Northern Russia would be brought under Moscow’s control and the Mongols ejected.

Life in 15th century Russia

Short, hard and brutal.

Important to Understanding Film Be Patient!!! Slow pacing Watch for look at medieval Russian life. Watch more than once. This is a dense

film. Don’t expect a traditional narrative

More like a series of short stories held together by a common theme

Be warned! Nudity and mistreatment of animals.