With reference to the period up to 1868, evaluate the impact on Japan of Commodore Perry’s expedition.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the impact of isolation on Japan by considering the positive and negatives effects of this policy. Both positive and negative impacts must be clearly indicated but there does not need to be an equal focus on each. Candidates should explain the degree to which Perry’s arrival had an impact but candidates may also argue that these changes occurred due to internal Japanese issues. Candidates may predate the timeframe by discussing existing problems in Japan before Perry, such as the decline of the samurai and/or peasant unrest, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may discuss how the arrival of Perry led to social unrest, including a rebellion by the Satsuma and Chosu clans, and undermined the Shogunate. Perry’s arrival ultimately led to a political revolution which resulted in the restoration of the Emperor.