“The failure of the Mongol invasions demonstrated the military strength of Japan.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the failure of the Mongol invasions demonstrated the military strength of Japan. Candidates may challenge the assumption in the question and argue that the first invasion actually showed Japanese weaknesses, but may then go on to argue that by the second invasion the Japanese military had successfully adapted to effectively fight the Mongol invaders. The Japanese were outnumbered in the first invasion and inexperienced in methods of warfare different to their own. By the second invasion, they had constructed large forts and developed new effective tactics. Candidates may also challenge the question by arguing that it was only the typhoon winds that saved the Japanese in both invasions. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the failure of the Mongol invasions demonstrated the military strength of Japan.