| Date | November 2016 | Marks available | 20 | Reference code | 16N.3op3.HL.TZ0.4 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Asia and Oceania) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Examine | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
With reference to the period up to 1868, examine the political impact of Commodore Perry’s arrival in Japan.
Markscheme
Candidates are required to focus on the political situation that Japan faced in the years 1853 to 1868 (Bakumatsu period) as a result of Perry’s arrival. Although candidates may set the political context for Perry’s arrival, their responses should focus on the set period.
Indicative content
- The political situation prior to Perry’s arrival may be briefly discussed to show that Japan was already politically unstable. For example, Dutch trading and “Dutch Learning” (rangaku), calls for the restoration of the Emperor (sonno joi), and social and economic factors that had an impact on the feudal structure, such as the weakening of the alternative attendance rule.
- The initial political crisis was caused by the indecision of the Shogun to respond to Perry’s demands. His consultations with the Emperor and the Daimyo were seen as a sign of weakness. The decision to agree to Perry’s demands led to opposition.
- The decision to end the traditional policy of isolation (sakoku) led to a series of unequal treaties that undermined the position of the shogun. These treaties included the Treaty of Kanagawa 1854; Treaty of Edo 1858 (Harris Treaty); Ansei Treaties 1858, which led to the opening up of Japan for trade with the US, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Russia.
- The Satsuma and Choshu Wars were a result of the dissatisfaction with the shogunate’s handling of Perry’s arrival. The imperial forces eventually put down the alliance of the western samurai (tozama clans) but 12,000 men were killed.
- The Tokugawa Shogunate fell when Yoshinobo resigned in 1867. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 resulted in Imperial power being restored.
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.
[20 marks]
