Discuss the nature and impact of Japanese occupation on South-East Asia.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the nature and impact of Japanese occupation on South East Asia. Candidates may argue that although Japanese occupation was often brutal and repressive it did also lead to increased support for nationalist and independence movements. Responses may focus on one country in depth or a broader discussion of South East Asia and either of these approaches is valid. The nature of Japanese occupation may include a discussion of responses to occupation including resistance and collaboration. Occupied countries often experienced harsh rule including arbitrary arrests, sex slavery, forced labour and executions. For those countries that collaborated, occupation provided opportunities for local populations to gain experience of ruling which prepared them for independence. In other countries resistance to the Japanese was strong and these groups fought for independence after the war. The responses will vary greatly depending on the country or countries chosen.