With reference to the period up to 1700, discuss the reasons why Japan decided to establish trade links with the West and the consequences of that decision for Japan.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why Japan decided to establish trade links with the West and the consequences of that decision for Japan. They may adopt a chronological approach that identifies that the reasons why Japan opened up to the West largely occurred in the 16th century, but the consequences of this extended into the 17th until foreign contact was virtually banned. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and may refer to aspects such as Japan’s desire to acquire Western knowledge, trade and wealth, political rivalries, missionaries and national security. These need not all be covered or covered equally. There may be some imbalance between reasons and consequences, but candidates will consider both aspects. While other, relevant, factors such as European trade rivalries may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.