“Japan’s weakness was the main reason for its defeat in the Pacific War (1941–1945).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may argue that as the Pacific War progressed, numbers of aircraft and air crew proved insufficient (kamikaze tactics were hugely wasteful); the military command structure was ineffective, and logistical support for the armed forces was inadequate. Candidates may also refer to shortages of raw materials, inadequate submarine defences, tactical weaknesses, and the burdens of fighting on an increasingly broad front. While other relevant factors, for example the productive capacity of the US economy and the success of US “island-hopping” tactics may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.

Candidates were required to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that Japan’s weakness was the main reason for its defeat in the Pacific War. A relatively popular question with some excellent responses that demonstrated a good understanding of the war. There were several weak responses that demonstrated little knowledge aside from the attack on Pearl Harbor and the use of atomic weapons.