Evaluate the impact of the Mongol invasions of Japan.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact of the Mongol invasions of Japan by weighing up their importance or otherwise regarding political, economic, social or cultural outcomes in Japanese society, but these need not all be covered or covered equally. They may adopt a chronological approach that contextualises the invasions. Candidates may refer to aspects such as the unity of the samurai clans, the changes to Japanese weaponry and to warfare strategies and the construction of extra fortifications. They may also identify the creation of a sense of nationalism, the rise of a mass following of Zen Buddhism amongst the samurai, changes to daily life and the family, and the unpopularity of the additional taxes. Some candidates may focus on the immediate aftermath whilst others will extend their appraisal to re-emergence of internal political unrest and the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate in 1331. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the cultural significance of the kamikaze storms, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.