Examine the causes and the consequences of the Gempei War (1180–1185).

The question requires that candidates consider the interrelationship between the causes and consequences of the Gempei War. Causes and consequences may predate and extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of causes and consequences, or they may prioritize their examination of one over the other. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may examine the long-term rivalry of the Taira and Minamoto clans over dominance of the imperial court, contributing to the outbreak of war. In addition, candidates may examine the coup d’état conducted by the Taira. Regarding consequences, the victorious Minamoto no Yoritomo established the Kamakura Shogunate. Prior to the Gempei War, power had rested in the hands of the emperor; now power rested with a military dictatorship. Yoritomo’s taking of the title Shogun established the Shogunate as the chief power in Japan until the Meiji restoration. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.