“Political rather than economic factors led to the crisis of the Bakumatsu period (1853–1868).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that political factors rather than economic factors led to the crisis of the Bakumatsu period. Causes may predate the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may discuss the impact of Perry’s arrival on Japan and the political crisis that followed. This could include a discussion of the perceived failure of the shogun to protect Japan from foreigners, which led to the rise of factions jostling for power and eventually resulted in a coup. By 1868, the Tokugawa shogunate had collapsed and Emperor Meiji took control of the country. Economic factors discussed could include the effects of monetary upheaval produced by the opening up of Japan to foreign trade, unemployment, inflation and the breakdown of the coinage system. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that political factors rather than economic factors led to the crisis of the Bakumatsu period. There were a few responses to this question but many of them lacked clear focus on whether it was caused more by political or economic factors. Responses were often chronological and narrative.