Question
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Taisho Democracy.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates must make an appraisal of the Taisho Democracy that draws out an assessment of both its strengths and weaknesses. Whilst some candidates may choose to finish their response with the end of the Taisho Democracy in 1926, others may choose to discuss the effects of the Democracy up to 1931. Both methods are permissible.
Indicative content
Strengths:
- The Japanese Diet had two houses and the House of Representatives was directly elected by the people.
- Party politics flourished at this time with a wide range of political parties that represented all elements of society.
- Japan was becoming a key player in international relations, for example the League of Nations and Washington Conference.
- In 1925 universal male suffrage was granted and the electorate increased from 3 million to 14 million.
Weaknesses:
- Economic problems existed throughout the period: both and inflation and debt were evident at the close of the First World War.
- The assassination of Prime Minister Hara in 1921 led to some instability.
- Changes to the political structure were banned by the Peace Preservation Law.
- There was suppression of the Communists.
- Politicians were perceived to be corrupt and with little interest in the peasantry and workers.
- The inability of Taisho politicians to deal with effects of the Great Depression (1929) also undermined the Democracy.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
To what extent did the social and cultural reforms of the US Occupation (1945–1952) transform Japan as a nation?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates must consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that Japan was significantly changed by the social and cultural reforms introduced during the US occupation.
Indicative content
- Social reforms included an increase in the availability of education for all. The repeal of the Imperial Rescript on Education meant that education was more modern, westernized and was based on the US system.
- The status of women changed dramatically; as well as gaining the vote as a result of the 1947 constitution, more women became involved in politics. In the 1946 election 39 women candidates were elected.
- Shintoism was abolished as a state religion; the Emperor was no longer regarded as divine and Japan essentially became a constitutional monarchy although Emperor Hirohito was still revered by the Japanese people.
- The processes of democratization and liberalization may be discussed. Although these are political concepts, it could be argued that they made Japanese society more open and liberal. However, with the intensifying of the Cold War conflict in Asia these ideals were not pursued as vigorously after 1950.
- Some candidates may argue that it was not so much the introduction of reforms that transformed Japanese society but rather the presence of the Americans themselves. It could be argued that the US presence led to westernization of their culture and this could be seen in film, music and theatre.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Examine the reasons why Japan emerged as an economic superpower after 1952.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates must demonstrate a clear understanding of Japan’s economic development between 1945 and 2000 and the reasons for it. Consequently, responses should go beyond the US Occupation and the 1950s.
Indicative content
- Japan’s economic growth after the Second World War began with post-war US Occupation reconstruction and then the changing priorities of the “Reverse Course” after the Communist victory in China in 1949 and the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950.
- The political stability resulting from the US Occupation reforms and social factors such as the culture and character of the Japanese people, also contributed to the rapid economic development.
- The impact of the Korean War was a major factor. Japan became an important supplier of materials to US forces, for which it received payment that helped regenerate and modernize Japanese industry. Trade between Japan and the US flourished in the post-war years due to advantageous tariffs and Japanese imports flooded into the US.
- Japanese management and work practices proved effective in preventing industrial action, and effective marketing and servicing won and retained customers.
- War reparations to those countries occupied during the war were converted into orders for Japanese products, thus opening new markets. The repaired infrastructure was modern and efficient providing a boost for economic expansion in the 1960s.
- Japan dominated the Pacific Asian economy and to maintain their price advantage with the West, Japan moved production facilities to other Asian countries as costs rose domestically in the latter part of the 20th century. Japan effectively expanded its available labour force to include those of other Asian countries as well.
- Japan diversified economic production to sell Japanese products for foreign markets, ranging from children’s toys to electronics and automobiles. Globalization played a key role in the economic development of Japan.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
To what extent did Japan have a successful democratic parliamentary system of government by 1929?
▶️/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will, in a considered and balanced way, review the extent to which Japan had successfully established a democratic system of government by 1929. Candidates may argue that although Japan was theoretically democratic, by 1929 democratic processes had been significantly undermined.
Successful democratic parliamentary system had been established
- The Japanese Diet had two houses and, the House of Representatives was directly elected by the people.
- Hara Takashi became the first commoner to serve as Prime Minister. He worked effectively with the different political institutions and with the military.
- Initially party politics flourished with a wide range of political parties that represented all elements of society.
- The General Election Law of 1925 granted universal male suffrage and consequently the electorate increased from 3 million to 14 million.
Failings and/or limitations to the establishment of democratic parliamentary democracy
- Hara had used electoral reform and electoral redistricting to ensure a seiyukai majority.
- The assassination of Prime Minister Hara in 1921 and a failed assassination attempt by radicals of Emperor Hirohito in 1923 led to instability.
- Women did not get the vote in the 1925 Election Law and they still had few legal rights.
- Changes to Japan’s political structure were banned by the Peace Preservation Law of 1925. In 1928, an amendment to it banned any political parties that the Communists had infiltrated.
- There was suppression of left wing activists throughout the 1920s. The Tokko was established to monitor socialist and communist activity.
- Politicians were generally perceived to be corrupt and seen to have little interest in the peasantry and workers.
- The inability of Taisho politicians to deal with the effects of the Great Depression (1929) also undermined parliamentary democracy.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
Discuss the reasons for Japan’s changing relations with the West between 1929 and 1940.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why Japan’s relations with the US, European powers and the League of Nations worsened in this time period. Candidates may also explain how relations with Germany and Italy were strengthened.
Note: Candidates may argue that relations with the West were already tense in 1929 because of events in the 1920s but their response should be primarily focused on the years 1929 to 1940.
Indicative content
- Because of the Great Depression, Western countries protected their own economies by restricting imports. Japan’s silk exports to the US dropped dramatically as a result of US protectionism and this led to high unemployment in Japan.
- In 1931, the Kwantung Army invaded Manchuria. The League of Nations investigated this event and, in the Lytton Report, Japan’s action in Manchuria was condemned. In response to this Japan left the League of Nations in 1933.
- The West became concerned about the growing power of the military in Japanese government. In 1932, the Japanese Prime Minister, Tsuyoshi, was assassinated. There was an attempted coup d’état (February 26 Incident) by young Japanese military officers in 1936. These events made the West anxious of the Japanese government.
- In 1936 Japan withdrew from the Second London Naval Conference as tensions over the issue of China escalated.
- From 1937 onwards, the events of the Sino-Japanese War caused tension with the West. Atrocities committed by the Japanese Army, such as the Nanjing (Nanking) Massacre, shocked the West. Japan’s attack on Shanghai caused significant concern due to the amount of foreign legations in the city.
- Japan formed closer ties with Germany and Italy in the 1930s. The Anti-Comintern Pact was signed with Germany in 1936 and then with Italy in 1937. The Tripartite Pact was signed with Germany and Italy in 1940.
- Japan announced the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere in June 1940, which was a clear statement of their expansionist policy.
- The Japanese invasion of French Indochina in 1940 led to the Export Control Act of 1940, which restricted US exports into Japan. The sanctions would eventually include oil.
The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.
Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.
Question
“Taisho democracy (1912–1926) was fragile.” Discuss.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Taisho democracy (1912–1926) was fragile. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may refer to events after 1926 as evidence that democracy was not effectively established during the Taisho era or to argue it was only events after this period that undermined democracy however, the bulk of the essay should be focused on the period 1912 to 1926. To support the statement that Taisho democracy was fragile candidates may refer to methods used by Prime Minister Hara to ensure a majority for his party, the Peace Preservation Law, the failure to enfranchise women, the assassination of Hara in 1921 and the failed assassination of Hirohito in 1923. To challenge the statement candidates may refer to the granting of universal male suffrage in 1925 and the appointment of the commoner Takashi as Prime Minister.
Question
To what extent was Japan’s military power responsible for its initial success in the Second World War?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Japan’s military power was responsible for its initial success in the Second World War. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may discuss events that predate the Second World War but these must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. To support the statement candidates may discuss the nature of the Japanese Military and note its size, discipline, technologies and the experience it had gained in the war with China. Japan’s military plans, the “Southern Plan” and the “Eastern Plan” may also be discussed to show that the Japanese military had clear strategical objectives. Candidates may challenge the statement by identifying other factors for Japanese success. These could include the impact of the Tripartite Pact of 1940 and the weaknesses of the Allied powers in the region.