Discuss the reasons for the samurai’s increasing political influence under Minamoto.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the samurai’s increasing political influence. Reasons may predate the timeframe, as candidates may argue that power was already shifting away from the emperor, but points made must be clearly linked to the question. Candidates may refer to Minamoto’s victory in the Gempei War and the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate. The Shogunate was a hereditary military dictatorship and effectively gave all real power to the samurai. The power of the Minamoto clan depended on the samurai and consequently their social and political influence increased. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the growing influence of Buddhism in Japanese society. Buddhism, with its focus on honour and code also strengthened the status of the samurai. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.