Evaluate the impact on Japan of the invasions by the Yuan dynasty in the late 13th century.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the impact on Japan of the invasions by the Yuan dynasty. The impact on Japan may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to how the attacks initially demonstrated Japanese military weaknesses which forced the Japanese to increase their armies, develop new tactics and weaponry. It also led to the construction of large forts. Essentially, the Japanese government became more militaristic as the need to be able to defend themselves from outsiders became more apparent. Japan maintained its independence and this enabled them to dominate trade within the region. It also established a belief that they could never be beaten, a belief that would remain deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.