“Political and economic changes that occurred in Japan during US occupation were undermined by the reverse course (1950).” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the political and economic changes that occurred in Japan during the US occupation were undermined by the reverse course. Candidates may start their response by considering the changes that were implemented during the early years of US occupation. Political changes may include a discussion of the democratization and demilitarization of Japan, including its new constitution. Economic changes may include a discussion of land reform and attempts to weaken the power of the zaibatsu. As communism spread throughout Asia the US came to regard Japan as a strong ally in Asia. Candidates may discuss the impact of the Reverse Course which led to the US relaxing many of their policies towards Japan, including its previous restrictions on the zaibatsu. The US also now supported the rise of conservative politicians and allowed Japan to establish defence forces. 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 political and economic changes that occurred in Japan during the US occupation were undermined by the reverse course. A very popular question but not many strong responses. Although knowledge of the US occupation appeared secure, many candidates did not seem to fully understand what the reverse course was and how it impacted the nature of US occupation. Consequently, most questions lacked a clear focus on the specific demands of the question.