Discuss the motives for, and impact of, Japan “turning in”.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the motives for, and impact of, Japan “turning in”. Motives for this may include a growing fear of the religious influence of Spanish and Portuguese missionaries and the growing number of Catholic converts in Japan. Fear of colonisation and exploitation of Japan’s natural resources by European settlers may also be considered. The decision to “turn in” may have been made to ensure peace for Japan and thereby secure the political status of the bakufu. Candidates are also required to discuss the effects of Japan’s “turning in” and these may include the implementation of the alternate attendance, the political and economic strengthening of the bakufu, peace and the weakening of the samurai. Candidates may also suggest that Japan was not fully isolated and did maintain some links with the outside world through Dutch Learning.