PAPER 1 – JAPAN

First question

a) This source says that Japanese were excited about their victory over China in 1895, because
China was significantly bigger than Japan, not only by land, but also by population. Secondly,
they’ve had competent leader and support of the British. It also suggested that it was their
first war with a remote country.
b) The contrast between the two sides reflects the technological and cultural gap between
Japan and China at the time. Overall, the woodprint symbolizes Japan's victory over China
and its emergence as a modern, industrialized nation, as well as the humiliation of China and
the beginning of its decline as a major power in Asia.

Second question

The source is an extract from a memoir written by Ubukata Toshiro in 1931. He wrote it as a
journalist, but at the time of Sino – Japanese War he was a teenager. He wrote it as a description of
an ending of Sino – Japanese War. We can say that the language of this source is measured, but at
the same time emotional - “no one ever had been so happy as when we learned of the fall of
Pyongyang”. The fact that the author was a Japanese teenager at the time gives value to the source,
because we can find out how this situation looked from a perspective of an average citizen of Japan.
But it is also its limitation, because it makes a source subjective.

Third question

The two sources are similar in that they both describe Japan adjusting to the Western culture and
politics. Source C and source D agree that militarism was necessary in gaining power in the West.
This is supported by description of the need to revolutionize military sources in source C, and by
establishing that Japan had to play by the rules even if they were the principles of imperialism.
Source C differs from source D in that source C says that Japan just had to wait for their own
moment to meddle in foreign affairs, while source D argues that Japan would never gain full respect
from the West. A huge difference appears in that those sources were written in different times from
different points of views.

Forth question

Modernization and Economic Development: Japan underwent a rapid process of modernization and
industrialization in the late 19th century, adopting Western technology and institutions to transform
itself into a modern nation-state. This modernization process allowed Japan to develop a powerful
economy, with a strong industrial base that could compete with other major powers.

Military Victories: Japan's military victories over China in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895)
and over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) gave the country a newfound confidence
and prestige on the world stage. These victories established Japan as a major military power in Asia
and helped to solidify its position as a rising world power.

Diplomatic Success: Japan's leaders also pursued a shrewd diplomatic strategy that helped to
promote the country's interests and enhance its international position. The government sought to
build alliances with other major powers, such as the United States and Britain, while also expanding
its influence in Asia through the creation of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
Cultural Influence: Japanese culture, particularly its art and literature, also played a role in the
country's rising international status. The popularity of Japanese art and fashion in Europe and
America helped to increase the country's visibility and influence, while its literature, such as the
works of Natsume Soseki and Yukio Mishima, showcased Japan's cultural sophistication.

In summary, Japan's rapid modernization, economic development, military victories, shrewd

diplomacy, and cultural influence were all important factors that supported its rise to international
prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.