| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 20N.3op3.HL.TZ0.6 |
| Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Asia and Oceania) | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Section 3: Exploration, trade and interaction in East Asia and South-East Asia (1405–1700)
Evaluate the social and economic impact of Japan “turning in”.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the social and economic impact of Japan “turning in”. Candidates may refer to how this led to long periods of peace and stability with few internal divisions; however, this peace actually served to undermine the social status of the samurai. Candidates may also argue that, by “turning in”, Japanese culture and ideas were protected and not affected by outside influences aside from Dutch Learning, which only had limited impact on Japanese society. However, it may be argued that “turning in” also limited Japanese developments in trade, warfare and technology and that this made Japan more vulnerable to foreign invaders in the long term as it fell behind the development of western powers. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Examiners report
The question required that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the social and economic impact of Japan "turning in".
