Question

the heian period, which lasted from the late 8th century to the 12th century, was one of early japan’s longest periods of continual peace. by the late heian period, the nobility owned large amounts of property and supported their own armies. soon, even the heian government came to rely on the private armies instead of their own army. the increase in the private families’ power led to the growth of two of japan’s greatest warrior clans, the taira and the minamoto. shifts in political factions and in the power of local war lords caused civil wars and unrest all over japan. in the 12th century, the fighting ended after two major wars between rival clans, both of which were descended from noble lines. when the throne became unoccupied in 1155, the naming of the emperor set off another revolution. at this point, the warrior clans and their private armies gained the power to decide the affairs of japan.
what contributed to the rise of war lords in japan?
a. private families supported large armies
b. the heian government overpowered private armies
c. civil wars increased the powers of the court
d. the warrior clans banded together to invade

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The text says nobility owned property and supported their own armies, not private families supporting large armies in a way that causes war lords' rise. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The text states the Heian government relied on private armies, not overpowered them. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The text says civil wars were caused by local war lords' power, not that civil wars increased court power. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The text mentions two major warrior clans (Taira and Minamoto) with power, and later warrior clans and private armies gained power. This aligns with warrior clans banding (or having power struggles) leading to war lords' rise.

Answer:

D. The warrior clans banded together in large groups