“Economic gain was the main reason for the Japanese annexation of Korea (1910).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that economic gain was the main reason for the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910. Reasons may predate the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the Japanese need for cheap raw materials, human resources and the desire to open up Korea for trade with Japan. Having access to Korea’s coal and iron ore deposits would significantly benefit Japan's growing industrial base. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example Japan’s desire for political dominance in the region, Japanese fear of Russian expansionism and control over Korea which would limit their influence in the region. China’s control over Korea was also perceived to be detrimental to Japanese national security. 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 economic gain was the main reason for the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910. This was a relatively popular question with some excellent responses which demonstrated a high level of understanding of the reasons for the Japanese annexation of Korea. However, several responses were very detailed on events and actions from the 19th century but lacked almost any knowledge of the first decade of the 20th century. Other weaker responses showed a general understanding of Japanese modernization/industrialization but did not always make explicit links to the annexation of Korea.