User interface language: English | Español

Date November 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17N.1.BP.TZ0.09
Level Both SL and HL Paper Paper 1 - first exams 2017 Time zone TZ0
Command term What Question number 09 Adapted from N/A

Question

Source I

An extract from a Japanese government statement, “The Fundamental Principles of National Policy” (August 1936).


(1) Japan must strive to eradicate [eliminate] the aggressive policies of the great powers …


(3) … in order to promote Manchukuo’s healthy development and to stabilize Japan-Manchukuo national defense, the threat from the north, the Soviet Union, must be eliminated; in order to promote our economic development, we must prepare against Great Britain and the United States and bring about close collaboration between Japan, Manchukuo, and China. In the execution of this policy, Japan must pay due attention to friendly relations with other powers.


(4) Japan plans to promote her racial and economic development in the South Seas, especially in the outlying South Seas area. She plans to extend her strength by moderate and peaceful means without arousing other  powers. In this way, concurrently with the firm establishment of Manchukuo, Japan must expect full development and strengthening of her national power.


[Source: Republished with permission of Taylor & Francis Group LLc Books, from Japan: a Documentary
History
, David J. Lu, 1996; permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc]

Source L

John Bernard Partridge, an illustrator and cartoonist, depicts Japan threatening China in an untitled cartoon for the British magazine Punch (21 July 1937).


Note: The word on the tail is Manchukuo.

S.O.S.
Chinese dragon: I say, do be careful with that sword! If you try to cut off my head
I shall really have to appeal to the League again.


[Source: PUNCH Magazine Cartoon Archives www.punch.co.uk]

What, according to Source I, were the challenges facing Japanese national policy?

[3]
a.

What does Source L suggest about Sino-Japanese [Chinese-Japanese] relations in 1937?

[2]
b.

Markscheme

• The great powers were perceived as being an aggressive force that Japan had to overcome.
• Japan needed to strengthen Manchukuo against the threat from the Soviet Union.
• Great Britain and the US stood in the way of Japan’s economic development.
• Japan had to extend her influence without alienating other powers.


The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [3].

a.

• Japan had already cut off (annexed) Manchukuo and was ready to invade the rest of China ignoring any possible appeal by China to the League of Nations.
• China was defenceless against Japan.
• Japan is portrayed as an armoured samurai warrior, implying a military threat to China.


The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. It is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive and no set answer is required. Award [1] for each relevant point up to a maximum of [2].

b.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.
[N/A]
b.

Syllabus sections

Prescribed subjects: first exams 2017 » 3. The move to global war » Case study 1: Japanese expansion in East Asia (1931–1941) » Causes of expansion » The impact of Japanese nationalism and militarism on foreign policy
Prescribed subjects: first exams 2017 » 3. The move to global war » Case study 1: Japanese expansion in East Asia (1931–1941) » Causes of expansion
Prescribed subjects: first exams 2017 » 3. The move to global war » Case study 1: Japanese expansion in East Asia (1931–1941)
Prescribed subjects: first exams 2017 » 3. The move to global war
Prescribed subjects: first exams 2017

View options