Question 18(Multiple Choice Worth 5 points) (02.08 LC) Which statement accurately describes a difference between feudal Europe and feudal Japan? In Europe, one powerful lord ruled whereas many shogun shared power in Japan. In Japan, peasants were respected and valued for producing food for the people. In Japan, merchants were well respected as they depended on trade. In Europe, serfs had a much higher status than peasants in Japan.

## Step 1<br />The question asks us to identify a key difference between feudal Europe and feudal Japan. The options provided are:<br />A. In Europe, one powerful lord ruled whereas many shogun shared power in Japan.<br />B. In Japan, peasants were respected and valued for producing food for the people.<br />C. In Japan, merchants were well respected as they depended on trade.<br />D. In Europe, serfs had a much higher status than peasants in Japan.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to evaluate each option based on historical facts.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A is incorrect because in both Europe and Japan, power was centralized under a single ruler, not shared among many.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B is correct. In Japan, peasants were indeed respected and valued for their role in producing food for the people. This is a key difference from Europe, where peasants were often treated as property of the land and had little social mobility.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C is incorrect. In both Europe and Japan, merchants were not well respected and often faced social and legal restrictions.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D is incorrect. In Europe, serfs were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and had fewer rights and freedoms than peasants in Japan.