“Economic factors were the main reason for the rise of militarism in Japan.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that economic factors were the main reason for the rise of militarism in Japan. Reasons may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the economic problems Japan faced in the 1920s due to the Kanto earthquake and the subsequent economic stagnation, exacerbated by the Great Depression. This allowed the military to gain prominence through their expansionist policies as solutions to Japan’s economic woes. Other relevant reasons may be considered, for example, Japan’s belief in its destiny as Asia’s leader, as evidenced by Japan’s success in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–05. This belief, along with the aspiration to make Japan a leading Far Eastern nation with the power and prestige associated with foreign territorial possession, necessitated a strong military and a more aggressive foreign policy. In addition, the fragility of democratic institutions in Japan and the political instability in China may be considered. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

A very popular question. Candidates were required to consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that economic factors were the main reason for the rise of militarism in Japan. Responses varied greatly in quality. Most candidates could discuss the ways economic factors led to the rise of militarism. However, many candidates struggled to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the Great Depression and how it led to the rise of militarism. There were also many candidates who discussed events beyond 1941 which are more relevant to Japan's initial military success than the rise of militarism.