To what extent were economic factors the main reason for discontent with the Tokugawa Shogunate’s rule in Japan?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that economic factors were the main reason for discontent with the Tokugawa Shogunate’s rule in Japan. Candidates may refer to economic hardships the people faced, as the Shoguns had reimposed centralized feudalism with peasants paying high taxes. The merchants were at the bottom of the social ladder; their wealth failing to get them political rights. Daimyo and samurai, who stood at the top of Japan's social hierarchy, were financially strained because they relied on land for wealth. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the forced opening of Japan following US Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in 1853 and political corruption which also contributed to the collapse of the Tokugawa rule, but the focus should be on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This was a relatively popular question. Candidates were required to consider the merits of the suggestion that economic factors were the main reason for discontent with the Tokugawa Shogunate's rule in Japan. There was excellent knowledge demonstrated of problems facing Japan in this time period. However, some responses very quickly dismissed economic factors and focused more on social and political. Candidates need to take care to discuss the point in the question in-depth before bringing in other factors.