Suggested Answers For Mock Exam Paper Paper 1 (Data-Based Questions)

2019 Mock Exam (Suggested Answers)
Suggested Answers for Mock Exam Paper
PAPER 1 (DATA-BASED QUESTIONS)
1. (a) Were the Japanese people satisfied with the government [4 marks]
The answer should be negative; otherwise it would be difficult to give reasons.
L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source; or [max. 2]

Clear answer, able to point out one reason only with effective use of the Source.
L2 Clear answer, able to point out two reasons with effective use of the Source. [max. 4]
Explanation (e.g.):.
- The Japanese people were resentful of the great taxation imposed during the Russo-Japanese War with no
reparation earned after the war, leading to the parade.
- The position of Prime Minister was always occupied by the Meiji ‘oligarchs’, which thus prompted
people’s determination in protecting the Constitution.
(b) Why can the cabinet changes of Japan from January 1906 to December 1912 be regarded as a continuity
[3 marks]
One mark for valid answer and two marks for valid explanation
L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using clues from the Source. [max. 1]

L2 Clear answer, effective in using clues from the Source. [max. 3]
Answer:
- From January 1906 to December 1912, the positions of Prime Minister and the cabinet members were
occupied by the Meiji ‘oligarchs’.
Explanation (e.g.):
- During this period, Katsura Taro and Saionji Kinmochi took turn to form the cabinets.
- Katsura Taro was from the Yamagata faction while Saionji Kinmochi was from the Ito faction. They were
both followers of the Meiji ‘oligarchs’.
(c) Do you agree ‘In the first 20 years of the 20th century, Japanese politics underwent modernisation but
not thorough Westernisation’? [8 marks]
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The answer should be positive; otherwise it would be difficult to give reasons.
L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using both Sources and own knowledge. [max. 2]
L2 Unbalanced answer, effective in using Sources or own knowledge only. [max. 4]
L3 Reasonable and balanced answer, effective in using both Sources and own knowledge. [max. 8]
Japanese politics underwent modernisation (e.g.):

- Political system was westernised via establishment of constitution, cabinet and diet. Political parties were
also set up. (Source A)
- The Japanese people would express their demand through parade. (Source A)
- The Emperor did not involve himself in the selection of Prime Minister and only announced the outcome
nominally. (Source A)
- Elections were held with a portion of people being able to vote. (Source A)
- The Constitution protected the freedom of the Japanese people in various fields, including speech and
publication. (Source A)
Not thorough Westernisation (e.g.):

- The political system did not guarantee democracy in Japan. Political power was still in the hand of the
traditional fractions. (Source A)
- The Constitution did not completely deprive the Emperor of his political powers. The Emperor remained
‘sacred and inviolable’.
- The military enjoyed political privileges with its influence even greater than the officials.
- Freedom and power possessed by the people were limited that they could not go against the Emperor’s
authority.
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2. (a) Did the economic policy of the Chinese government in the 1990s differ greatly from that in the 1960s
[3 marks]
L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source [max. 2]

L2 Clear answer, effective in using the Source. [max. 4]
Explanation (e.g.):
- In the 1960s, food coupons were needed for buying food in addition to renminbi.
- In the 1990s, people could buy food only with renminbi.
(b) Did the peasant family in Source C seem to live in a special economic zone [4 marks]

Explanation (e.g.):
- The major revenue of the Chinese peasant family was related to agriculture.
- The peasant family had to pay tax to support the development of the village, indicating that they were
living in an area yet to be modernised.
(c) Do you agree ‘The Reform and Opening-up policy gave Chinese people a better life’? [8 marks]
Agree (e.g.):
- The materialistic life of the Chinese became fruitful. (Source B)
- The economic policy of the government was relatively loosened. Food coupons were not required anymore
and shopping became convenient. (Source B)
- Urbanisation occurred in some villages. (Source C)
- A short-lived ‘speech holiday’ appeared in the mid-1980s. (Own knowledge)
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Disagree (e.g.):
- Serious inflation, ‘don’t know what to buy with little money’. (Source B)
- Peasants were hard to make ends meet as they had to bear great tax for social and economic developments.
(Source C)
- Rushing urbanisation led to the shrink of agriculture. (Own knowledge)
- Democracy and freedom were not improved in China. (Own knowledge)
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3. (a) Infer the aim of France in its promotion of the treaty shown in Source D [3 marks]
One mark for valid aim and two marks for valid explanation
Aim:
- Ensuring the national security of the Eastern Europe countries.
Explanation (e.g.):
- The treaty was called ‘Eastern Locarno’, which was a reference to the Locarno Pact which protected the
boundaries of France and Belgium.
(b) Suggest a caption for the cartoon in Source E [4 marks]

Caption (e.g.):
- Failed Chamberlain.
- The fall of Britain.
Justification (e.g.):
- Britain, originally being a (brave) lion, lost its full dignity to Hitler due to Chamberlain’s mistakes in
policy, turning into a (timid) monkey.
(c) If you were a European in the late 1930s, would you be optimistic towards peace in Europe? [8 marks]
The answer should be negative for easier justification.
Source (e.g.):
- Mussolini and Hitler were both hostile towards any action protecting collective security. (Source D)
- Small countries (like Poland) lost their trust in peace. (Source D)
- Britain adopted the appeasement policy and was not willing to bear responsibility for peace on earth.
(Source D)
- The appeasement policy of Britain reinforced the ambitions of Hitler on the contrary, even shaming the
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former. (Source E)
Own knowledge (e.g.):

- The aggressive countries formed the ‘Rome–Berlin–Tokyo Axis’ with their influence growing.
- From the mid to the late 1930s, Germany and Italy initiated invasions several times.
- People lost their trust in the League of Nations after several incidents.
* Marks should be given if students provided a positive answer supported with reasons.
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4. (c) What was the historical background that led to the production of the pamphlet by the US government in
Source F? [3 marks]
One mark for valid historical background and two marks for valid explanation
Historical background:
- The USSR had successfully developed the atomic bomb.
Explanation (e.g.):
- The pamphlet in Source F was distributed in the 1950s.
- The US assumed that they would suffer from atomic bombings anytime.
(b) What were the political purposes of the Soviet propaganda in Source G? [4 marks]

Clear answer, able to point out one purpose only with effective use of the Source.
L2 Clear answer, able to point out two purposes with effective use of the Source. [max. 4]
Political purposes (e.g.):

- Seeking support from the Soviet people (pointing out that the USSR valued education very much).
- Arousing resentment among the Soviet people towards the US and capitalism (pointing out that the US
government was a military country with no attention paid to education).
(c) During the Cold War, which country, the USA or the USSR, posed a greater threat to one another?
[8 marks]
The answer should be the USSR for easier justification.
Threats the USSR posed on the US (e.g.):

- Threatened by the USSR, the US was concerned about the impact of fallout over extended distances and
saw it as a life threat (Source F); The propaganda of the USSR was only defiling the US, that no threat
posed by the US on the USSR was shown (Source G).
- The Americans built basement shelters to protect themselves from radiation danger, showing that the
Americans faced constant threats in their daily life. (Source F)
- The USSR set up military base in Cuba capable of launching missiles and claimed that it could attack the
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US in a short time. (Own knowledge)

- The US rarely caused troubles in the homeland of the USSR with the U-2 Incident being a rare exception,
but it was not life-threatening to the Soviet people too. (Own knowledge)
- The activities of the US in Europe was assumed to aim to enhance the economic growth of the US and
avoid other countries converting to communism. The US did not possess any territorial ambitions. On the
contrary, the USSR exercised oppressive rule over the Eastern Europe countries and occupied East
Germany with its troops. (Own knowledge)
* Marks should be given if students opt for the USA supported with reasons.
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PAPER 2 (ESSAY-TYPE QUESTIONS)
1. Examine how Hong Kong’s social and economic development mutually influenced each other in the
second half of the 20th century. (25 marks)
Marking scheme
Criteria Highest band of Marks
performance
- Coherent presentation with reasonable analysis of how Hong Kong’s
social and economic development mutually influenced each other,
A 23-25
supported by solid historical data that stretch over a considerable period
of time.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, clearly examines how
Hong Kong’s social and economic development mutually influenced B 20-22
each other. Historical data stretch over a considerable period of time.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, and produces a good
attempt of examining how Hong Kong’s social and economic
development mutually influenced each other; but discussion is
obviously lopsided to the influence of social development on economic C 17-19
development or vice versa, and/or contains underdeveloped arguments
(e.g. no obvious attempt to explain the word ‘mutually’). Historical
data cover a considerable period of time.
- Shows a general understanding of the question, and discussion focuses
merely on the influence of social development on economic
D 14-16
development or vice versa; or attempts to tackle both but marred by
rough content.
- Shows an awareness of the question, and discussion is merely on the
influence of social development on economic development or vice
E 11-13
versa, marred by rough content; attempts to tackle both, but marred by
rough content and lopsidedness.
- Primarily a narration of Hong Kong’s social or economic development
in the period concerned, with only one or two lines that casually touch
E–F 9-10
upon their mutual influence, or
- Discussion is solely based on other factors.
- A narration of Hong Kong’s social or economic development without
analysing its causes, or
F 5-8
- Detailed narration of other factors of Hong Kong’s social or economic
developments without presenting any arguments.
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- Shows little understanding of the question, with no distinction made

between relevant and irrelevant materials.
- Containing very few relevant facts. U 0-4
- Very poorly organised and difficult to understand, with annoying
mistakes in writing/spelling important personal and place names.
How to tackle the question:

- ‘Mutual influence’ means that the two events had certain importance to each other, even mutually founding the basis
for each other.
- Students should accurately identify the aspects covered in ‘social’ and ‘economic’ development. For example, the
former would include change in population, development in education and urbanisation, while the latter would
include mode of production and income level. Discussion on Hong Kong’s political development should be avoided.
- Structurally speaking, students are suggested to define ‘mutual influence’ in the introduction, then explain the
causality between social and economic development following the timeline of the second half of the 20 th century in
order to justify that the two events mutually influenced each other consistently during the period.
- The following aspects could be covered: conditions attracting immigration brought by favourable economic
environment, mutual causality between population demography and labor-intensive industries, improvement in
living quality brought by increase in income, improvement in education level as condition for economic
transformation, influence of economic transformation on reproduction intention, etc.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- ‘Mutual influence’ means that the two events had certain importance to each other, even mutually founding the
basis for each other. This essay would examine how Hong Kong’s social and economic development mutually
influenced each other in the second half of the 20th century.
(2) Body
(I) 1950s: Conditions attracting immigration brought by favourable economic environment
- Economy founded upon entrepot trade before WWII: Hong Kong was at the centre of the Asia-Pacific
region with deep-water harbour and the free port policy. In addition, comprehensive infrastructure and
sufficient capital, as well as the development of Western navigation and transportation, facilitated the
entrepot trade of Hong Kong. Hong Kong thus became a regional trade centre with prosperous economy
and stable society.
- Advantageous economic environment attracting immigrants: The advantageous economic environment
attracted many mainlanders to flock to Hong Kong during WWII and the early postwar period. Moreover,
Hong Kong was located in southern China. One of the functions of Hong Kong as an entrepot was trading
with the mainland of China, that goods from northern and southern China were gathered in Hong Kong
for distribution and transportation. The economic link established between Hong Kong and China in the
prewar period allowed mainland immigrants to adapt more easily to their life in Hong Kong, as well as
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finding jobs.
(II) 1960-1970s: Mutual causality between population demography and labor-intensive industries
- Immigration leading to the rise of labor-intensive industries: In the early postwar period, an influx of
mainlanders flooded into Hong Kong. Among the arrivals were entrepreneurs and workers, who brought
along capital and skills as well as provided a large amount of low-cost labour for industrial development.
Furthermore, during the Korean War, a trade embargo was imposed against China. As a result, Hong
Kong lost its main economic pillar as its entrepot trade plummeted. In such case, huge amount of
incoming manpower allowed industrial development to thrive in Hong Kong instead, and transformed
Hong Kong to a labour-intensive industrial centre in Asia from an entrepot.
- Social problems arisen from labour-intensive industries: While increasing population gave rise to the light
industries, the industries also demanded large volume of manpower. Hence, industrial development
continued to stimulate population growth. As the birth rate and the number of immigrants remained high
in the 1960s and 1970s, social issues such as social welfare and housing arose consequently. Since the
1970s, the Hong Kong government strived to solve the housing problem resulted from growing
population. Measures such as building public housings and developing new towns were implemented. In
1973 and 1978, the government carried out the Ten-Year Housing Programme and the Home Ownership
Scheme respectively to provide cheap housings for the people. In the 1970s, the government also
developed five new towns, including Sha Tin, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, etc.
- Labour-intensive industries accelerating urbanisation: To settle the skyrocketing population brought by
the development of labour-intensive industries, since the 1970s the government developed new towns, in
which industrial facilities (e.g. construction of container terminals in Tsuen Wan since the 1970s, and
industrial estate in Tai Po in 1975) were also established to help the include the residents in production
networks. Along with solving the overcrowding problem, the government also created job opportunities
through urbanisation and helped enhance the industrial development.
(III) 1970-1980s: Improvement in living quality brought by increase in income

- Rise of Hong Kong’s economy in the 1970s: In the 1970s, Hong Kong became one of the ‘Four Asian
Tigers’ along with South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore as one of the Asian industrial centres, with its
industrial products exports greatly exceeding the percentage of entrepot trade. The rise of economy led to
success of several local entrepreneurs, such as Li Ka-shing and Cheng Yu-tung. The income level of Hong
Kong people increased on average.
- Improvement in living quality brought by enhanced income level: The living quality of Hong Kong
people improved as their income level increased. For example, women could purchase Western fashion
clothes with salaries earned, giving rise to Western popular culture in Hong Kong. Furthermore, with
enough consuming capacity, people could as well spent money on leisure. For example, Hong Kong
movies became the main source of public entertainment in the 1970s.
(IV) 1980s: Improvement in education level as condition for economic transformation

- Enhanced education level of Hong Kong: In the late-1970s, the government implemented nine-year free
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and compulsory education in 1978, as well as promoting tertiary education (e.g. preparing for the set-up
of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in the 1980s, allowing the Hong Kong Polytechnic
and City Polytechnic of Hong Kong to offer degree programmes). The number of local professionals
increased as people had better education level, which thus founded the basis for tertiary industries and
knowledge-based economy.
- Transforming to tertiary production: After 1970, trade protectionism and the competition from
neighbouring regions led to the decline of exports for industrial goods. The shortage of resources and
labour force also led to the rise of production costs and the decline of industries. In such case, it was
necessary for Hong Kong to adopt another mode of production. The emergence of professionals and well-
established infrastructure then contributed to the rise of finance and service sectors, leading to Hong
Kong’s economic transformation to tertiary production.
(V) 1980-1990s: Influence of economic transformation on reproduction intention

- Relations between tertiary production and gender development: As Hong Kong’s economy transformed to
tertiary production, physical strength was no longer the most needed job qualities. This enabled the
women to participate in labour market to a further degree. As tertiary production emphasised high
education level and professional skills, young people also wished to receive more education.
- Drop in birth rate: In order to receive more education, young people tended to have late marriages or stay
single. Since tertiary production was not sustained by intensive labour, the desire for children further
diminished among young people. The mainstream family structure in Hong Kong was gradually replaced
by nuclear family and dual-career family. The population growth rate began to drop.
(3) Conclusion
- In the second half of the 20th century, Hong Kong’s social and economic development mutually influenced
each other through different ways: while social development led to transformation in economy, different modes
of production also affected the structure and development of society.
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2. Do you agree that leader’s personal influence was the major factor in determining the results of Chinese
modernisation in the 20th century? Explain your answer with reference to Jiang Jieshi or Mao Zedong.
(25 marks)
Marking scheme
performance
- Coherent presentation with reasonable analysis of leader’s personal
influence and other factors in terms of their relative importance in
A 23-25
determining the results of Chinese modernisation, supported by solid
historical examples that stretch over a considerable period of time.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, clearly examines the
relative importance of leader’s personal influence and other factors in
B 20-22
determining the results of Chinese modernisation. Historical examples
stretch over a considerable period of time.
attempt of examining the relative importance of leader’s personal
influence and other factors in determining the results of Chinese
modernisation, but discussion is obviously lopsided to leader’s personal C 17-19
influence or other factors, and/or contains underdeveloped arguments
(e.g. no obvious attempt to explain the phrase ‘major factor’). Historical
examples cover a considerable period of time.
merely on leader’s personal influence; or attempts to tackle both but D 14-16
marred by rough content.
- Shows an awareness of the question; discussion is merely on leader’s
personal influence, marred by rough content; or attempts to tackle both, E 11-13
but marred by rough content and lopsidedness.
- Primarily a narration of Chinese modernisation, with only one or two
lines that causally touch upon leader’s contribution to its success, or E–F 9-10
- Discussion is solely based on other factors.
- A narration of Chinese modernisation developments without analysing
its causes, or
F 5-8
- Detailed narration about other factors that led to the results of Chinese
modernisation, without presenting any arguments.
- Shows little understanding of the question, with no distinction made U 0-4
- Containing very few relevant facts.
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- ‘Major factor’ implies that when compared to other factors, a certain factor had greater influence on causing the
result; or that factor caused other factors at the same time, leading to the result.
- Students should compare the importance of leader’s personal influence with that of other factors, and avoid merely
explaining how these factors determined the results of Chinese modernisation.
- Structurally, students should define the meaning of ‘major factor’, then discuss how leader’s personal influence
determined the results of Chinese modernisation in each paragraph, and compare this factor with other factors in
order to argue whether the results was primarily determined by leader’s personal influence.
- The following aspects may be covered: leader’s policies, leader’s acceptability, leader’s personal ambitions,
potential disadvantages, hostile powers, foreign powers, etc.
- The following suggested outline would choose Mao Zedong as an example.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- ‘Major factor’ implies that when compared to other factors, a certain factor had greater influence on causing
the result; or that factor caused other factors at the same time, leading to the result.
- In 1949, after the establishment of the PRC, Mao Zedong led a series of mass movements, including the Land
Reform, the Campaign to Suppress Counter-Revolutionaries, the First Five-Year Plan, the ‘Three Red Banners’
and the ‘Cultural Revolution’.
- During the Maoist period, Chinese modernisation was ineffective and even resulted in backwardness.
- There were also other factors determining the progress of Chinese modernisation during the Maoist period,
such as potential disadvantages, hostile powers and foreign powers. Nevertheless, leader’s personal influence
was more important than these factors and it was thus the main factor determining the results of Chinese
modernisation.
(2) Body
(I) Leader’s personal influence
Leader’s policies:
- Leader’s capability of making right decisions compatible with contemporary situation was always of great
importance in determining the results of modernisation. Regarding Mao’s performance in the First Five-
Year Plan, Mao first placed a major focus on heavy industry, followed by light industry and agriculture.
The First Five-Year Plan laid a solid foundation for China’s industrialisation. Industries that were not seen
in China, such as the manufacturing of aeroplanes, vehicles and heavy machines, as well as equipment for
power generating, metallurgy and mining were developed. The First Five-Year Plan developed a new set
of heavy industries, including steel, coal, electricity, machinery, chemistry, etc. Moreover, agricultural
collectivisation adopted during the First Five-Year Plan led to an increase in agricultural production. The
CPC also actively sought to construct transportation infrastructure, gradually forming modernised cities in
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China. The scale of advancement in heavy industries for China in Mao’s period was unprecedented.
Under Mao’s leadership, the First Five-Year Plan successfully founded the basis of Chinese economic
modernsation and industrialisation.
- Nevertheless, Mao’s wrong judgement on the situation led to his mistakes in policies during the ‘Three
Red Banners’. With the completion of the socialist transformation, achievements in the First Five-Year
Plan gave rise to false optimism among CPC leaders, who expected rapid progress and instant success. In
order to speed up socialist construction, Mao even proposed to use ‘leap forward’ to replace ‘rash
advances’. As a result, under the high production targets proposed by Mao, the ‘winds of exaggeration’
prevailed. He demanded that the steel output of 1958 should double that of 1957, stressing on quantities
instead of qualities. Consequently, half of the steel output was below standard and some was even scrap
iron.
- During the ‘Cultural Revolution’, Mao launched the ‘Up to the Mountain and Down to the Countryside’
Movement to demand the young people in cities to learn farming from peasants. As a result, in 1975, the
number of students studied in the universities was only one-third of that in 1965. The faults in education
policies during the ‘Cultural Revolution’ brought about shortage of talent for a decade. Furthermore,
under Mao’s call for ‘destroying four olds’ the Chinese traditional culture experienced great destruction as
many cultural relics, historical sites and books were destroyed during the ‘Cultural Revolution’. It could
thus be noted from the above evidence that wrong decisions made by the leader could even drag down the
modernisation progress.
Leader’s acceptability:
- Leader’s acceptability was of importance in motivating civil participation. Nevertheless, Mao relied on
mass movements as the major mode of modernisation, that he even built up a cult of personality and thus
hindered the political and cultural development of China. Mao mobilised the masses to criticise and
struggle against the dissidents. The constitution and law became empty words. People lacked legal
conceptions and blindly followed Mao’s call. In addition, many young people thought that ‘parents may
love me, but not as much as Chairman Mao’. They criticised and struggled against their teachers and
parents, leading to a decline in morals. Leader’s acceptability during the Maoist period was irrational, and
thus hindered the political and cultural modernisation.
Leader’s personal desire
- Leader’s personal desire was important factor determining modernisation, or event its hindrance. During
the ‘Cultural Revolution’, Mao encouraged criticism in order to reinforce his own political status. Mao
directed the criticism at Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping. Mao had to rely on the force outside the party to
start a mass movement to remove the power-holders. Mao supported the Gang of Four to start the Anti-
Lin, Anti-Confucius Campaign, as well as the criticising the Duke of Zhou in order to attack Zhou Enlai.
Following the collapse of the ‘Pragmatic Faction’, Chinese modernisation came to a halt.
(II) Other factors

Potential disadvantages:
- When the nation was first established, landlords, who accounted for 10% of the rural population, owned
more than 70% of farmlands. The land distribution was extremely uneven. Most peasants could only farm
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on the land rented from the landlords. This created profound social conflicts, which was a factor
hindering modernisation.
- However, under the Land Reform led by Mao, lands and properties of former landlords were confiscated
by the government and subsequently redistributed to the landless peasants and owners of small plots. In
1952, around 300 million peasants had their own lands. Despite initial purpose of strengthening the
CPC’s ruling position in rural areas, the movement showed that personal influence of the leader could
actually help solve the potential disadvantages of the society.
Hostile powers:
- When the nation was first established, former KMT officials, secret agents, local bandits and gangsters
could also pose threats to the political stability.
- However, the Instructions on the Suppression of Counter-Revolutionary Activities promulgated by Mao
successfully reinforce the CPC’s governance, as well as facilitating Mao to carry out his modernisation
reforms. This was thus a representation of leader’s capability of making policies.
Foreign powers:
- During the First Five-Year Plan, the USSR sent over 3,000 experts to offer assistance regarding resources
extraction, technological design, personnel training, etc., as well as providing further US$800 million
loan. The USSR had been a key factor prompting the success of the First Five-Year Plan. Nevertheless,
Chinese modernisation came to a sharp downturn as the USSR withdrew from assisting China.
Meanwhile, China failed to succeed in developing diplomatic modernisation as well with poor relations
with the Western countries.
- Despite all said, the failure of Chinese modernisation to a large extent was still due the leader’s personal
influence. Although Mao attempted to modernise China through mass movements in ‘Three Red Banners’
understanding the fact that he could not copy the Soviet model, the campaign eventually resulted in
catastrophe. This was an evidence showing the leader’s incapability of adapting to change. Mao also
incited the crowd to attack embassies, which further hindered Chinese relations with the Western
countries and its progress in realising diplomatic modernisation was far from satisfaction.
(3) Conclusion
- Although there were other factors which also affected the modernisation progress of China during the Maoist
period, how the leader dealt with these factors was the key determining the results of modernisation. Therefore,
I agree that leader’s personal influence was the major factor in determining the results of Chinese
modernisation in the 20th century.
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3. ‘National consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan in the first half of the 20 th century.’ Comment
on the validity of this statement. (25 marks)
Marking scheme
performance
- Coherent presentation with reasonable and balanced explanation of why
national consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan in the first
A 23-25
half of the 20th century, supported with relevant historical examples that
cover a considerable part of the question.
- Shows a good understanding of the question’s theme; able to give clear
and balanced explanation on why national consciousness was a double-
edged sword to Japan in the first half of the 20 th century, supported with B 20-22
relevant historical examples that cover a considerable part of the
question.
- Shows a good understanding of the question’s theme, clearly discusses
why national consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan in the
first half of the 20th century, but lopsided to either one and/or marred by C 17-19
underdeveloped arguments. Historical examples are generally relevant
and cover a considerable part of the question.
- Shows a general understanding of the question. The discussion merely
focuses on explaining the positive or negative impact of national
D 14-16
consciousness on Japan in the first half of the 20 th century; or attempts
to tackle both, but marred by rough arguments.
- Shows an awareness to the question, attempts to point out whether
national consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan, though
marred by rough arguments and/or ineffective in using historical E 11-13
examples; or attempts to tackle both positive and negative impact , but
marred by rough and lopsided content.
- Mainly narrates events concerning the development of national
consciousness in Japan and only one or two lines on the question’s E–F 9-10
theme.
- A general account of events concerning the development of national
consciousness in Japan, without conscious attempt to focus on the F 5-8
question’s theme.
- Shows little understanding of the question, with no distinction made U 0-4
- Containing very few relevant facts.
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- ‘National consciousness’ refers to a set of ideologies and value generally embraced by a race that is presented
through different ways.
- Answers should not merely narrate the development of national consciousness in Japan. Historical examples must be
closely relevant to the question to show whether it was a double-edged sword to Japan.
- To be awarded a higher grade, answers should not be lopsided to the positive or negative impact of national
consciousness on Japan to prove own viewpoints.
- Structurally speaking, the essay could argue whether national consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan in
different aspects (e.g. political, economic and military aspect) with positive and negative impact explained with
relevant examples.
- The following aspects may be covered: the Emperor’s regime, manipulation of the military, expansion and invasion,
abnormal economic development, education level, etc.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- ‘National consciousness’ refers to a set of ideologies and values generally embraced by a race that is presented
through different ways.
- Strong national consciousness among the Japanese in the first half of the 20 th century brought both positive and
negative impact to Japan.
- Therefore, it is valid to say that national consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan in the first half of
the 20th century.
(2) Body
(I) Political aspect
Positive impact:
- Stable Emperor’s regime: The Emperor was the core of Japanese national consciousness. By tradition, the
Emperor was the supreme leader in Japan with a high status. In Shintoism, the Emperor was regarded as
the descendant of god. Blended together with the beliefs of Shintoism, the Meiji Constitution of 1889
stated that the Emperor was ‘sacred and inviolable’ and held supreme power. In 1890, the Emperor issued
the Imperial Rescript on Education, emphasising the ideas of loyalty to the Emperor and the country. The
government also introduced the National Textbook System. The government set the syllabi and
standardised the textbook contents. This education stressed the importance of patriotism. The absolute
power of the Emperor, being unquestionable, thus stablised Japanese politics in the first half of the 20 th
century with the Emperor as the core.
Negative impact:
- Manipulation of the military: Soldiers in Japan were deemed as national heroes. Military politics had been
a longstanding tradition in Japan. The military tradition encouraged the use of force and the military
2018-ME-A-18
gained respect from the people. Therefore, the military could launch coup when given opportunity with
support from the people. For example, the military spread the spirit of unity that was emphasised most
strongly by the military through the Imperial Military Reserve Association, as well as allowing patriotism
to take root among people. This also helped facilitate the development of productivity, making the
civilians as a strong power to support the military. Such organisation contributed much in promoting war
fanaticism.
(II) Economic aspect
Positive impact:
- Developing economy through seizing resources: Japan was an island country, which thus made the
Japanese possess strong desire for survival. In the early 20 th century, Japan took control of Korea,
Northeast China, Taiwan, Fujian, etc., which provided consumer markets for Japan. Therefore, Japan’s
light industries were able to thrive. In addition, the controlled territories had a large number of iron ores
and coal mines. They greatly assisted the development of heavy industry, including steel and machinery.
Thus, Japan’s heavy industry developed faster than other Asian countries in the early 20 th century, and the
nation itself also became a global economic power.
Negative impact:
- Abnormal economic development: Japan emphasised national glory, for which the nation would put in all
economic resources it had into warfare at all costs. In 1938, the National Mobilisation Law was passed in
order that the government might mobilise all human and material resources to support the army to wage
wars at any time. At the same time, the government issued large amounts of bonds and paper currencies to
cover the huge military expenses, putting the Japanese economy in crisis. The Japanese government also
strengthened its co-operation with zaibatsu. Zaibatsu, such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Hitachi and Toshiba,
gained a lot of government funding. Many small and medium enterprises became bankrupted because
they were not as competitive as zaibatsu. The economy in Japan was further dominated by zaibatsu and
resulted in abnormal economic development.
(III) Social aspect

Positive impact:
- Improving education: Japan valued individual qualities of the nationals, so the government also spent
much effort in raising the educational level of the nationals. In 1907, the government further required a
minimum of six years of education for children of both sexes. The national enrolment rate once reached
97%. Besides, the government promoted tertiary education. In 1918, it promulgated the University Law
and acknowledged the co-existence of public and private universities. By 1922, Japan had established six
national imperial universities, 20 private universities, 1,600 secondary schools and 25,600 primary
schools. By the early 20 th century, Japan had already built up an educational system with primary schools,
secondary schools and universities. At that time, Japan had the highest education standard in Asia.
Negative impact:
- Limited freedom: Japan emphasised obedience and national unity. Therefore, the government would
suppress the dissidents in every sense. Any personal freedom that undermined these rights would be
restricted. Since the Meiji Constitution had basically been a set of laws that protected the rights of the
2018-ME-A-19
Emperor, any personal freedom that undermined these rights would be restricted. In 1925, the government
even passed the Peace Preservation Law to suppress any ideas that threatened the reign of the Emperor.
Communism was attacked in particular because it discouraged the belief in gods. In 1925, the Japanese
government indicted 38 students for promoting communism according to that law.
(IV) Social aspect

Positive impact:
- Becoming a world power: One aim of the reform for Japan was to establish a powerful Empire in order to
gain an equal status to the Western countries and prove its national superiority. This became the
motivation for Japan to actively launch invasion and carry out diplomatic activities in the early 20 th
century. Japan was the only Asian country in the Eight-Power Alliance. The Russo-Japanese War marked
the defeat of a European power by an Asian country for the first time in modern history. This reflected
that Japan had already become a world power through its modernisation attempts. In 1911, Japan even
succeeded in abolishing all unequal treaties and regained its tariff autonomy. Its international status was
drastically raised. Japan also actively participated in international affairs, including forming the Anglo-
Japanese Alliance with Britain, becoming one of the permanent members of the Council of the League of
Nations along with Britain, France and Italy, participating in the Washington Conference and the London
Naval Conference, etc. This showed that Japan’s international status was equivalent to that of the Western
countries.
Negative impact:
- Poor relations with the Western countries: The Japanese had profound crisis awareness. As the Great
Depression began, the Japanese military believed that democracy could not possibly make Japan rich and
powerful, and only by following totalitarian practice of Germany and Italy and launching invasions could
Japan get rid of the economic difficulties. In 1931, Japan initiated the Mukden Incident in China and
further invaded Northeast China afterwards. The Western powers condemned it through the League of
Nations. In response, Japan withdrew from the League in 1933. In November 1936, Japan and Germany
signed the Anti-Comintern Pact. In 1940, Japan, Germany and Italy formed the Axis Powers. They
mutually recognised the dominance of Germnay and Italy over Europe, and the dominance of Japan over
Europe Asia. At last, Japan broke up completely with the Western democratic countries. During the
Second World War, the US even dropped the atomic bombs in Japan, resulting in great casualty.
(3) Conclusion
- To conclude, the crisis awareness and obedience upheld in Japan’s national consciousness helped stablise
Japan’s regime and society, as well as making Japan rich and powerful. Nevertheless, national consciousness
also encouraged Japan to prove its national power and solve the economic crisis through invasion. As a result,
Japan’s relations with the Western countries deteriorated with the two sides confronting each other in the
Second World War. Therefore, it is valid to say that national consciousness was a double-edged sword to Japan
in the first half of the 20th century
2018-ME-A-20
4. Compare the effectiveness of the international society in maintaining peace before the two world wars.
(25 marks)
Marking scheme
performance
- Coherent presentation with excellent comparison of the effectiveness of
the international society in maintaining peace before the two world A 23-25
wars using the chosen examples, substantiated by solid historical facts.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, clearly compares the
effectiveness of the international society in maintaining peace before
B 20-22
the two world wars using the chosen examples, substantiated by
relevant historical facts.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, and produces a reasonable
comparison of the effectiveness of the international society in
maintaining peace before the two world wars using the chosen
C 17-19
examples, but discussion is obviously lopsided and/or contains
underdeveloped arguments. The answer is supported by relevant
historical facts.
- Shows a general understanding of the question; makes a serious attempt
to compare the effectiveness of the international society in maintaining
D 14-16
peace before the two world wars using the chosen examples, but the
answer tends to be narrative.
- Shows an awareness of the question; attempts are made to compare the
effectiveness of the international society in maintaining peace before
E 11-13
the two world wars, but the answer is narrative with factual errors
and/or omissions.
- Primarily a narration of facts about the efforts of the international
society in maintaining peace before the two world wars, with one or E–F 9-10
two lines that casually compare their effectiveness.
- A narration of facts about the efforts of the international society in
maintaining peace before the two world wars, without any attempt to F 5-8
compare their effectiveness.
2018-ME-A-21

- Both sides should account for a similar portion of the answer. Do not only narrate the historical facts, and the
comparison should be highlighted.
- The answer should quote historical facts relevant to the efforts of the international society in maintaining peace
before the two world wars. The answer should also cover the whole period from 1900 to 1914, and from 1919 to
1939.
- Structurally speaking, students should compare the effectiveness of the international society in maintaining peace
before the two world wars in each paragraph, and explain which had better performance.
- The following aspects could be covered: peacekeeping organisations, disarmament, peace treaties, co-operations
between nations, etc.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- Before the two world wars, various mechanism existed in the international society to maintain peace.
Compared to the mechanism before the First World War, after the First World War the international society
learnt from the world war and held a more prudent attitude towards peacekeeping with more complete
mechanisms established. Nevertheless, they still failed to prevent the war like they did before the First World
War. This essay would compare the effectiveness of the international society in maintaining peace before the
two world wars through the aspects of peacekeeping organisations, disarmament, peace treaties and co-
operations between the countries.
(2) Body
(I) Permanent neutral peacekeeping organisations
- Before the First World War, there was only the Permanent Court of Arbitration to solve international
disputes. It had limited effectiveness nevertheless as the Court could only perform its functions when the
powers involved in conflicts agreed to go into arbitration. For example, the powers once suggested
solving the 1914 Sarajevo Assassination through the Court. Because Austria-Hungary refused it, the
suggestion was turned down. Moreover, most of the cases the Court handled before the First World War
only concerned small-scale political and economic interest conflicts between countries without attending
prewar crises in large scale. Therefore, it was barely effective in maintaining peace with its failure in
preventing the war.
- After the First World War, the international society established the League of Nations as a permanent
neutral peacekeeping organisation. The League of Nations had more functions compared to the Permanent
Court of Arbitration. For example, many specialised agencies came under the League of Nations,
including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Health Organization, the Economic and
Financial Organization, the Temporary Slavery Commission, the High Commission for Refugees, etc.,
besides arbitration. Furthermore, the League of Nations could also intervene international affairs by force
2018-ME-A-22
according to the voting results, which thus played a more active role than the Permanent Court of
Arbitration. However, the League of Nations required a unanimous vote to pass resolutions, which thus
hindered the League of Nations in taking actions. Also, the League of Nations did not have its standing
army to carry out actual military sanctions. Although the League of Nations before WWII as a permanent
neutral peacekeeping organisation possessed more peacekeeping functions and was established on an
improved organisational structure, it failed to prevent the war eventually due to its fundamental
weaknesses, ineffective in maintaining peace.
(II) Disarmament
- Before WWI, the nations called two Hague Conferences to discuss the possibility of disarmament. The
First Hague Conference was held in 1899. Due to the suspicions among European powers, no
disarmament agreements were reached at the conference. Germany opposed disarmament and Britain
refused to give up its naval supremacy. The powers only agreed to establish the Permanent Court of
Arbitration to settle international disputes. Declarations which attempted to restrain the actions of
belligerent countries were also passed at merely ensuring that warfare would be conducted more
humanely. The Second Hague Conference was held in 1907. Similar to the first conference, the
participants had divergent opinions on disarmament. The European powers feared that disarmament
would make them become the targets of invasion, thus demanding others to disarm first. In particular, the
conflicts between Britain and Germany were serious. Britain proposed to cut back on naval armaments.
However, Germany believed that reaching an agreement would only maintain the British naval supremacy
and impede the growth of German naval fleet. Consequently, the conference failed to achieve its basic
aim of disarmament in the end. The powers only agreed not to start a war without warning and promised
to respect human lives, personal property and religious beliefs during wartime. The two conferences were
both completely ineffective in disarmament.
- After WWI, as the nations realised the harms of the world war, they had a stronger awareness of
disarmament in preventing the war. In the Paris Conference, the victorious countries even forced the
defeated countries to disarm in order to deprive Germany of its ability to initiate wars (Germany had to
reduce the number of its army to 100,000 men for example). Nevertheless, such punishment irritated the
German people and thus paved way for the next world war. Before WWII, although various disarmament
conferences, including the Washington Conference, the London Naval Conference and the Geneva
Conference, were also held among countries, their unfair treatments upset particular countries. For
example, in the Washington Conference and the London Naval Conference, Japan’s naval ships were all
limited to a lower ratio than those of the US and Britain, for which the Japanese were thus irritated. The
Geneva Conference also ended in failure without any concrete agreement made due to disagreement
among countries. Despite being slightly more effective than those before WWI with actual disarmament
made, disarmament conferences before WWII upset particular countries (such as Germany and Japan)
and encouraged their aggression consequently. The peacekeeping task thus failed.
(III) Peace treaties

- Before WWI, the peace treaties served the purpose of resolving crises. Examples included the Treaty of
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Fez for the Second Moroccan Crisis, amending the Treaty of Berlin of 1878 for the Bosnian Crisis, the
Treaty of London for the First Balkan War, the Treaty of Bucharest for the Second Balkan War, etc.
However, these treaties were ineffective in resolving the conflicts between countries. On the contrary,
they encouraged the countries to increase armament. For example, Germany, only compensated with part
of the territories of French Congo, felt humiliated by the Treaty of Fez; the Treaty of London, spoiling
Serbia’s westward expansion and Italy’s capture of Albania, aroused discontent in these two countries.
Therefore, instead of playing an effective role in maintaining peace, the peace treaties before WWI on the
contrary led to adverse impact deepening the hostility between countries.
- After WWI, the international society strived to avoid another world war. In that case, the function of the
peace treaties changed to preventing crises. For example, defeated countries such Germany were forced to
sign the peace treaties to disarm and cede territories; the Locarno Pact maintained the boundaries of
Belgium, France and Germany, with the countries agreeing that they would not invade and initiate wars
on each other; the Kellogg-Briand Pact outlawed war in the form of international law for the first time,
and the nations also agreed to abandon wars and settle disputes by peaceful means. Peace treaties before
WWII contained a stronger sense of precaution to avoid war, but its lack of binding affect and loopholes
were abused by the aggressors (e.g. ‘legitimate self-defence’ in the Locarno Pact). Peace treaties signed in
the Paris Conference also angered people in the defeated countries, which eventually initiated wars as
revenge. Despite established with prudence, the peace treaties led to adverse impact and were unable to
prevent the war, ineffective in maintaining peace.
(IV) Co-operations between nations

- Before WWI, alliances were established between countries as defences against their own enemies. For
example, Germany isolated France through allying with Austria-Hungary and Russia in order to maintain
the balance of power and political stability in Europe. The European powers felt threatened by Germany’s
ambition, and they started to from an anti-German alliance for their own safety. At last, the Triple Entente
was formed in 1907. Although alliances between WWI served the nations’ own interest in defending, the
alliance system successfully balanced each other and restrained the nations from launching wars, and thus
effective in maintaining peace to a certain degree. Nevertheless, the alliance system led to confrontation
between the alliances (e.g. Britain supported France to go against Germany in the Moroccan Crises), and
it also became a catalyst prompting the First World War after the Sarajevo Assassination, which thus
failed to prevent the war.
- After WWI, Britain and France became the only two powerful countries in charge of the League of
Nations to maintain European peace. They attempted to pacify aggressors’ ambitions through
appeasement policy. For example, they planned to ask Abyssinia to cede two-thirds of its territory to Italy
in order to peacefully resolve the crisis; in 1938, they forced Czechoslovakia to cede the Sudetenland to
Germany in exchange for the latter’s promise of stopping its invasion. In terms of maintaining peace, co-
operations between countries before WWII were comparatively proactive, that they would intervene
invasion as a neutral mediator. However, due to post-war economic difficulties, the nation’s power was
weakened and their stances were not as firm as before. As a result, they failed to stop the aggressors from
invading (for example, Hitler ignored the Munich Agreement and invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia and
2018-ME-A-24
Poland). Therefore, same as those before WWI, co-operations between nations before WWII were still
unable to prevent the war from happening.
(3) Conclusion
- In conclusion, international society were more active in maintaining peace before WWII than before WWI
with higher awareness of precaution against the outbreak of wars overall. Still, the nations had their power
weakened after WWI, which thus failed to balance each other mutually. The effectiveness of the peacekeeping
efforts before the two world wars varied in different aspects, but they all failed to prevent conflicts and wars
from breaking out. To conclude, they both had low effectiveness in maintaining peace.
2018-ME-A-25
5. Why could the Cold War last almost half a century? Explain your view. (25 marks)
Marking scheme
performance
- Coherent presentation with reasonable analysis of long-term factors
affecting the developments of the Cold War, supported by solid A 23-25
historical examples that stretch over a considerable period of time.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, clearly examines long-term
factors affecting the developments of the Cold War. Historical examples B 20-22
stretch over a considerable period of time.
attempt of examining long-term factors affecting the developments of
the Cold War, but discussion is obviously lopsided to one factor, and/or
C 17-19
contains underdeveloped arguments (e.g. no obvious attempt to explain
the word ‘last’). Historical examples cover a considerable period of
time.
merely on one factor; or attempts to tackle multiple factors but marred D 14-16
by rough content.
- Shows an awareness of the question; discussion is merely on one factor,
marred by rough content; or attempts to tackle multiple factors, but E 11-13
marred by rough content and lopsidedness.
- Primarily a narration of the Cold War developments, with only one or
E–F 9-10
two lines that causally touch upon long-term factors affecting it.
- A narration of the Cold War developments without analysing its causes,
or
F 5-8
- Detailed narration about events that affected the Cold War
developments, without presenting any arguments.

- Students should focus on analysing long-term factors that affected the Cold War developments, and avoid merely
discussing the impact of certain events on the Cold War developments.
- The question asked students to explain ‘why the Cold War could last almost half a century’. In that case, students
2018-ME-A-26
should present factors that could explain the Cold War developments throughout the whole period.
- Structurally speaking, students should discuss in separate paragraphs how different long-term factors affected the
Cold War developments with reference to relevant historical examples from different periods.
- The following aspects could be covered: equivalent national power, ideological differences, deep-rooted distrust,
attitude of the leaders, international situation, etc.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- In the second half of the 20th century, confrontation between the US and the USSR lasted almost half a century.
This essay would analyse different long-term factors that affected the Cold War developments in order to
explain why the Cold War could last almost half a century.
(2) Body
(I) Equivalent national power
- After WWII, as the European powers suffered a severe strike and could not recover in a short period of
time, the US and the USSR expanded their influence and became the only two superpowers in the world.
Subsequently, the two countries engaged in armaments race, in addition to competing for allies to expand
their influence. Despite threatening tensions, the two countries had their national power boosted due to
competitions, which thus enabled them to remain in the position of superpowers throughout half a
century. In the aspect of military, The Soviet leader Stalin witnessed the power of the US nuclear weapons
in the atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki of Japan, leading the USSR to accelerate its research
and development on atomic bombs. In 1949, the USSR successfully developed its atomic bomb. The US
was no longer the only country with nuclear weapons. In 1953, the US and the USSR successfully
produced the thermonuclear weapon, which was more powerful than the nuclear weapons. The two
superpowers invested a huge amount of money to produce nuclear weapons and develop other new
weapons, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as to build missile bases. In the aspect of
technology, in 1957, the USSR successfully launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. In 1958, the
US launched the artificial satellite Explorer 1. Since then, the two superpowers had started the prolonged
space race. In 1961, the USSR sent Yuri Gagarin, an astronaut, to the outer space; in 1969, Neil
Armstrong of the US became the first human to set foot on the moon. In the 1980s, since the USSR
possessed stronger nuclear weapons than the US did, the US even came up with unprecedented
technology that aimed to establish a defence system in space and use satellites to detect and shoot down
hostile missiles with lasers, particle beam weapons, ground- and space-based missiles. As the USSR
manipulated the Eastern European countries to make them serve for its economy, it held equivalent
economic power to the US. The Cold War only appeared to be ending after the USSR’s economy showed
symptoms of decline due to Gorbachev’s reforms. Eventually, the Cold War ended along with the
dissolution of the USSR. As shown by the above, equivalent national power allowed the US and the
USSR to see each other as their only rival. With no mediation from the third superpower, the
confrontation between the US and the USSR thus could last half a century.
2018-ME-A-27
(II) Ideological differences

- The Cold War was always seen as a struggle between ideologies. Confrontation between ideologies was
the fundamental cause of the Cold War. The US adopted capitalism in which market economy and
freedom were valued; On the contrary, the USSR upheld Karl Marx’s communism, adopting planned
economy and manipulation over its satellite states. The differences between the US and the USSR in the
political, economic and diplomatic aspects were impossible to be reconciled. Therefore, they criticised
and denied each other. Conflicts were inevitable. In 1946, Churchill even delivered the Iron Curtain
Speech and straightly pointed out that the ideological conflicts had laid an ‘iron curtain’ upon Europe and
caused the Cold War. After Truman advocated the containment policy, the US made all efforts to prevent
the USSR’s influence from expanding, intervening the Chinese Civil War, the Korean War, and the
Vietnamese War. The two blocs often promoted their own political ideas and attacked the other side
through mass media, such as radio programmes, newspapers and posters as well. The US used the radio
station Voice of America to attack communism. In 1952, a Coast Guard ship was converted into a mobile
broadcasting station, delivering messages in more than ten languages off the island of Rhodes in Greece,
in order to counter the Soviet propaganda. The USSR used Radio Moscow to criticise capitalism and
promote communism. Europe was divided for almost half a century due to ideological conflicts. Not until
Gorbachev implemented glasnost to promote democracy and freedom did the Western countries lower
their guard against the USSR. Similarly, only after the end of the Cold War could the Eastern European
countries adopt democratic system and joined the European Union. This showed that fundamental
ideological conflicts was the major reason for the confrontation between the two sides, enabling the Cold
War to last almost half a century before Gorbachev came into office.
(III) Deep-rooted distrust

- The USSR had been isolated since its establishment. It doubted and distrusted the West. Therefore, it
actively promoted communist revolutions in order to strengthen the communist bloc. The USSR was also
resentful about the Allies’ delayed counteroffensives, which led to the Soviet heavy casualties caused by
the prolonged war with Germany. The fact that US secretly developed atomic bombs without informing
the USSR or sharing the technology further deepened the USSR’s suspicions towards the US. Spying
activities were very common during the Cold War. There were deep suspicions and a great sense of
insecurity between both parties throughout the period. The US and the USSR established the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Committee of State Security (KGB) respectively to carry out spy and
counterspy activities in order to collect intelligence. In 1953, the US government accused citizens Julius
and Ethel Rosenberg of being the Soviet spies transmitting the US nuclear weapon designs to the USSR.
They were executed in the end. Russian President Vladimir Putin had also worked for the KGB. During
the period 1985-1990, he was sent to East Germany in order to collect the sensitive technology and
industrial secrets from the Western countries. This showed that the US and the USSR did not trust each
other, that they even carried out spying activities and invented military weapons to confront each other.
As a result, the Soviet-US relations barely improved and the Cold War thus could last almost half a
century.
2018-ME-A-28
(IV) Attitude of the leaders

- The developments of the Cold War to a large extent depended on the attitude of the leaders . In terms of
the USSR, initially Stalin held a firm stance against capitalism (e.g. initiating the Berlin Crisis,
intervening the Korean War), but after Khrushchev came into office he advocated that communism and
capitalism could co-exist and compete peacefully, which prompted the détente (e.g. peacefully solving the
Cuban Missile Crisis). Nevertheless, as Brezhnev took over he invaded Afghanistan and suppressed
Polish Solidarity. The Cold War thus revived. Finally, as Gorbachev initiated mediation with the US and
allowed democratic movements in Eastern Europe, the Cold War could come to an end. In terms of the
US, initially Truman and Eisenhower held a firm stance in containing the USSR in order to prevent the
spread of the communism (e.g. implementing the Marshall Plan and establishing NATO). It was not until
Nixon adopted the non-commitment policy that the US could withdraw from the Vietnamese War. The
Cold War thus entered détente. Nevertheless, the Cold War revived as Reagan took a firm stance against
communism introducing the ‘Star Wars’. Reagan only changed his attitude after Gorbachev’s Western-
friendly policies. Finally, as the US next president Bush had reached a consensus with Gorbachev, the
Cold Warc could eventually end in the 1990s. This reflected that the attitude of leaders was an important
factor affecting the developments of the Cold War, to which change in the leaders caused instability. The
leaders of the US and the USSR had been failing to reach consensus, but Gorbachev’s friendly attitude
successfully ended the Cold War. This showed that attitude of the leaders was a long-term factor that
made the Cold War continue.
(V) Changes in international situation

- International influence of the US and the USSR to a large extent was based on the number of allies and
their relations with other countries. Therefore, the unstable international situation was also a factor
extending the Cold War. From the 1940s to the 1970s, civil wars taken place in Greece, China, Korea and
Vietnam became places for the power struggles between the US and the USSR. From the 1950s to the
1970s, due to the Sino-Soviet split the USSR lost its ally China, with which the US wanted to ally. The
USSR was thus tentatively willing to reconcile with the US. However, in the 1970s, the USSR invaded
Afghanistan as it was dissatisfied with the Afghan government’s desire for independence. As a result, the
Cold War heated up again. From the 1980s to the 1990s, democratic movements in Eastern Europe also
became intensified, which eventually led to dissolution of the USSR and the end of the Cold War. This
showed that changes in international situation was the reason causing instability in the diplomatic policies
of the US and the USSR and served as an indirect factor extending the Cold War. Therefore, the Cold War
could last almost half a century before the democratic movements in Eastern Europe prompted the
dissolution of the USSR.
(3) Conclusion
- Factors such as equivalent national power, ideological differences, deep-rooted distrust, attitude of the leaders
and international situation all posed long-term impact on the developments of the Cold War, which could thus
last almost half a century as a result.
2018-ME-A-29
6. To what extent was the year 1945 a turning point of international co-operation in the 20th century?
(25 marks)
Marking criteria
Highest band of Marks
Criteria
performance
- Coherent presentation with reasonable and balanced analysis of the extent
of the year 1945 being a turning point of international co-operation in the
20th century, able to compare the two periods before and after 1945 to
A 23-25
effectively explain how the year brought significant changes to
international co-operation, supported by solid historical examples of
different aspects that cover a considerable part of the period.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, clearly examines the extent
of the year 1945 being a turning point of international co-operation in the
20th century, able to compare the two periods before and after 1945 to
B 20-22
explain how the year brought significant changes to international co-
operation. Historical examples of different aspects cover a considerable
part of the period.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, and produces a good attempt
to examine the extent of the year 1945 being a turning point of
international co-operation in the 20th century, able to compare the two
C 17-19
periods before and after 1945, but weak in explaining how the year became
a turning point, and/or contains undeveloped arguments. Historical
examples cover reasonably diverse aspects and a good part of the period.
- Shows a general understanding of the question, but discussion is marred by
rough arguments, or
- Shows some attempt to discuss the extent of the year 1945 being a turning
D 14-16
point of international co-operation in the 20th century, able to link the
development after 1945 to the year, but ineffective in comparing the two
periods before and after 1945.
Shows an awareness of the question, but discussion is marred by rough
arguments and a narrow scope, or
- Shows some attempt to discuss the extent of the year 1945 being a turning
E 11-13
point of international co-operation in the 20th century, but ineffective in
linking the development after 1945 to the year, and comparing the two
periods before and after 1945.
- Same as Band E, but marred by obvious factual errors and/or E–F 9-10
overgeneralisation, or
- Primarily a narration of events in the year 1945 or the development of
2018-ME-A-30
international co-operation, with only one or two lines that casually touch
upon whether the year 1945 was a turning point of international co-
operation in the 20th century.
- A narration of events in the 1945 or the development of international co-
operation without any attempts to discuss whether the year 1945 was a F 5-8
turning point of international co-operation in the 20th century.
- Very poorly organised and difficult to understand, with annoying mistakes
in writing / spelling important personal and place names.

- ‘Turning point’ refers to a critical year or incident in a historical period. The periods before and after the ‘turning
point’ differ vastly from each other, and the ‘turning point’ itself has made significant impact on the subsequent
historical development.
- Students should compare the development before and after the turning point to show the fundamental change(s)
occurred. They should also explain how the turning point led to the fundamental change(s).
- The United Nations was established in 1945. Therefore, students have to point out whether the United Nations had
produced profound changes to international co-operation. The essay should not merely describe the developments
before or after the establishment of the United Nations.
- Structurally speaking, students are advised to structure the essay according to different aspects, such as participating
countries, peacekeeping methods, areas of co-operation and organisations, and then mention the fundamental and
non-fundamental changes that the year 1945 brought to international co-operation in each aspect. Students should
make discussion on the extent as well.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- The United Nations established in 1945 and changed the mode of co-operation before WWII.
- As shown in the aspects of participating countries, organisations, peacekeeping methods, and areas of co-
operation, to a large extent the year 1945 was a turning point of international co-operation in the 20th century.
(2) Body
(I) Participating countries
Fundamental changes:
- Before 1945, the League of Nations was the largest international co-operative organisation, but it only
contained 63 member states at most. The League of Nations was replaced by the UN in 1945. The latter
contained 51 founding members, and so far it has 193 member states. This showed that the UN had
2018-ME-A-31
greater representativeness than the League of Nations.

- Before 1945, although the US advocated the League of Nations, it did not join the organisation
eventually, leaving the organisation without the leadership of a powerful country. As the UN was
established in 1945, the US became one of the permanent members in charge of the UN’s affairs.
Non-fundamental changes:
- Before 1945, the League of Nations was led by the Western countries, with three of the four permanent
members being Western countries (Britain, France, Italy and Japan). After 1945, out of five permanent
members of the UN four members were Western countries (the US, Britain, France, the USSR and
China). In that case, the UN was still very much led by the Western countries.
To a large extent the year 1945 was a turning point of participating countries:
- The WWII ended in 1945 with the European countries having suffered from the war. As a result, the US
took their place of leading international co-operation. At the same time, they could no longer maintain
their colonial empire, which thus prompted the birth of many Asian and African countries along with the
decolonisation movements after WWII. These countries were accepted by the UN as its members.
Therefore, compared to the League of Nations before 1945 when Asia and Africa barely had chance to
participate in international co-operation, their acceptance by the UN indicated that their interests were
secured by the international society, and their voice as newborn countries could also be heard.
Furthermore, these countries also established alliance on their own (e.g. ASEAN), which thus raised their
status in the international society. This was a rare circumstance before WWII. Therefore, 1945 to a large
extent was a turning point of international co-operation, as it changed the status of the participating
countries, as well as the US attitude towards international affairs.
(II) Peacekeeping methods

- Before 1945, the League of Nations required a unanimous vote to pass resolutions. Due to such limitation,
the League had limited effectiveness in peacekeeping with only territorial disputes between small
countries solved. After 1945, learning from the failure of the League of Nations, the UN made changes to
its composition and peacemaking mechanisms, that the General Assembly only requires a majority vote of
two-thirds to pass important resolutions, which is more effective. All UN members must implement the
Security Council’s resolution as well.
- Before 1945, due to distrust between the European countries, individual military alliances were
established for the purpose of aggression instead of peacekeeping; After 1945, under the influence of the
Cold War, the Western European countries and the Eastern European countries formed NATO and the
Warsaw Pact alliance respectively to secure regional safety. NATO, under the US leadership, has been
playing an important role in maintaining peace since its establishment. For example, it bombed Serbia in
order to stop the racial conflicts in Yugoslavia.
- Before 1945, the League of Nations did not have its own army and depended on its member states to
provide troops. After 1945, the UN lacked its own army as well, that its peacekeeping forces were only
composed by troops provided by the member states.
2018-ME-A-32
- Before 1945, the effectiveness of the League of Nations in maintaining peace was affected by individual
countries. For example, Japan vetoed the League’s intervention in its invasion of China, and the League
itself was also put in a passive role affected by the appeasement policy of Britain and France. After 1945,
the effectiveness of the UN in maintaining peace was also limited by certain countries. For example,
some countries ignored the UN economic sanctions on South Africa; the USSR rejected the UN
intervention in its suppression on Eastern Europe; Belgium and other countries demanded their troops to
retreat from the UN peacekeeping operation, etc.
To a large extent the year 1945 was a turning point of peacekeeping methods:
- Although same weaknesses were found in both the UN and the League of Nations, because of the
participation of the US the political status of the UN rose successfully with greater international
reputation and more effective deterrence (e.g. NATO was supposed to carry out military actions under the
UN mandate). The UN also had more effective peacemaking mechanisms than the League of Nations, and
thus able to intervene in more conflicts.
(III) Areas of co-operation

- Before 1945, many specialised agencies came under the League of Nations, including the International
Labour Organization (ILO), the Health Organization, the Economic and Financial Organization, the
Temporary Slavery Commission, the High Commission for Refugees, etc. After 1945, the areas of co-
operation extended to aspects such as population, resources, environment and technology, which were all
rarely seen before.
To a large extent the year 1945 was a turning point of areas of co-operation:
- After WWII ended in 1945, human technology experienced a huge breakthrough. Climate change also
brought challenges to the human developments. As a result, more areas related to human development
overall were included in international co-operation, which was thus more prospective than before.
(IV) Organisations
- Before 1945, little did the League of Nations entertain the opinion of the non-governmental organisations,
among which a few human relief organisations (e.g. the Red Cross) had their places in international co-
operation. After 1945, the UN coined the term ‘non-governmental organisation’ (NGO) and allowed
NGOs to take the advisory role, as well as acknowledging their contributions. Moreover, the UN
advocated co-operation in different aspects, such as population and environment, instead of merely
focusing on political and military aspects. In such case, civil groups could take part in the co-operation
more easily. As a result, NGOs rose after WWII as many well-known organisations were established after
WWII (e.g. World Vision, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth International, Médecins Sans Frontières,
ORBIS, etc.)
- Before 1945, as NGOs did not have much say, international co-operations mostly took place between
governmental organisations. After 1945, as the status of NGOs rose, the UN also engaged in co-operation
with NGOs frequently. For example, striving to build a better life for children and eliminate poverty, the
2018-ME-A-33
UNICEF and the WHO stayed in close co-operation with World Vision; The WHO also co-operated with
ORBIS and the MSF.
- Before 1945, international co-operation was in charge by governmental organisation (the League of
Nations). After 1945, governmental organisation (the UN) was still in charge of the international co-
operation, owning advanced technology in the aspects of medicine and technology. NGOs had no way to
participate in the aspects of political and military at all as they did not possess real power. Therefore,
governmental organisations were still the most influential.
To a large extent the year 1945 was a turning point of organisations:
- Before 1945, civil participation in international co-operation was rare. However, as the UN accepted
participation from professionals and civil groups after 1945, governmental organisations were no longer
the only parties involved. NGOs initiated a bottom-up mode of co-operation, that they sometimes even
pressurised the governmental organisations (e.g. international environmental organisations would call for
the UN actions in environmental protection).
(3) Conclusion
- In conclusion, after the UN was established following end of WWII in 1945, international co-operation
underwent significant and fundamental changes in the aspects of participating countries, peacekeeping
methods, areas of co-operation and organisations. Therefore, to a large extent the year 1945 was a turning point
of international co-operation in the 20th century.
2018-ME-A-34
7. Select one region covered in your History course, examine how external factors affected its regional
development after the Second World War. (25 marks)
Marking scheme
performance
- Coherent presentation with reasonable analysis of the impact of external
factors on the regional development of the region selected, supported by A 23-25
solid historical examples that stretch over a considerable period of time.
- Shows a good understanding of the question, clearly examines the
impact of external factors on the regional development of the region B 20-22
selected. Historical examples stretch over a considerable period of time.
attempt of examining the impact of external factors on the regional
development of the region selected, but discussion is obviously lopsided C 17-19
to one factor, and/or contains underdeveloped arguments. Historical
examples cover a considerable period of time.
merely on one factor; or attempts to tackle multiple factors but marred D 14-16
by rough content.
- Shows an awareness of the question; discussion is merely on one factor,
marred by rough content; or attempts to tackle multiple factors, but E 11-13
marred by rough content and lopsidedness.
- Primarily a narration of the regional development of the selected region,
with only one or two lines that causally touch upon long-term factors E–F 9-10
affecting it.
- A narration of the regional development of the selected region, or
- Detailed narration about events take took place in the selected region, F 5-8
without presenting any arguments.

- Students should focus on analysing the impact of external factors on the regional development of the region
selected, and avoid merely discussing the regional development of it.
- The question asked students to explain how external factors affected the regional ‘development’ of the region
2018-ME-A-35
selected. In that case, students should anaylse how external factors affected the regional development in different
periods.
- Structurally speaking, students should discuss in separate paragraphs how different external factors affected the
regional development of the region selected with reference to relevant historical examples.
- Western Europe, Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia covered in the course are suitable choices. The following
suggested outline would choose Southeast Asia as an example. The following aspects could be covered: Japanese
invasion, decline of the colonial powers, the Cold War developments, international status as newborn countries, etc.
Suggested outline:
(1) Introduction
- After WWII, the regional development of the Southeast Asian region was affected by different external factors .
This essay would analyse the impact of external factors on the regional development of Southeast Asia through
the aspects of Japanese invasion, decline of the colonial powers, the Cold War developments and international
status as newborn countries
(2) Body
(I) Japanese invasion
- During WWII, Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia became an important catalyst for the independence of
Southeast Asian countries. Japan promoted the idea of ‘Asia for Asians’, saying that Asians should get rid
of the exploitation by Europeans in order to become the master of Asia again. Moreover, Japan proposed
the creation of a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, claiming that it would work with all Southeast
Asian countries to rebuild Asia. Under Japanese propaganda, nationalism in Southeast Asia grew strong.
Nationalists in places such as Laos and Indonesia even co-operated with the Japanese. This offered
precious administrative experiences to the Southeast Asians and fuelled their desire for independence.
Under the repressive rule of the Japanese, the Southeast Asians realised that in order to be emancipated,
they had to rely on their own strength. As a result, nationalism rose to a higher level in Southeast Asia.
The tides of the War turned against Japan after 1943. To gain the support of the Southeast Asians, Japan
allowed the independence of several regions, such as Burma, the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos and
Cambodia. The Western colonists could thus hardly restore colonial rule after WWII. This showed that
foreign invasion unified the Southeast Asian people, as well as granting them experience of
independence, which prompted the wave of decolonisation after the war.
(II) Decline of the colonial powers

- During the WWII, the Western colonists were defeated repeatedly. The myth that the West was invincible
was dismissed, their homeland suffered a hard blow. WWII destroyed the economies of European
countries. They could hardly revive their national strength as colonial empires after WWII. Since Britain,
France and other powers had to focus on rebuilding their national economies, they could no longer afford
the high military and administrative costs of colonial rule. After the war, the colonial powers allowed their
colonies to become independent through different means. For example, the US kept its promise and
2018-ME-A-36
granted the Philippines independence in 1946; Britain granted autonomy and independence to its colonies
such as Burma and Malaya though negotiations; unable to defeat the armed force, France and the
Netherlands were also forced to grant their colonies, including Indochina and Indonesia, independence.
This showed that the destruction the colonial powers suffered in their homeland became a trigger leading
to the independence of the Southeast Asian countries, which was also an evidence of how external factor
affected the regional development of Southeast Asia.
(III) The Cold War developments

- Influenced by the Cold War, some Southeast Asian countries adopted a pro-American or pro-Soviet
attitude diplomatically. Fearing the spread of communism, the Philippines and Thailand, for example,
sought economic and military aid from the US. In contrast, North Vietnam resisted against the US during
the Vietnam War. Upon unification of the country, Vietnam formed an alliance with the USSR and
continued to adopt communism. In 1955, the Southeast Asian countries actively took part in the Bandung
Conference organised by the developing countries in Asia and Africa. At the conference, they declared
that developing countries should not rely upon the superpowers, namely the US and the USSR. In 1961,
they joined the Non-Aligned Movement and claimed neutrality in the Cold War. In 1961, civil war broke
out in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh led North Vietnam to fight against the anti-communist South Vietnam. As
the Vietnam War persisted, the communists in other Southeast Asian countries became active and
struggled against their governments. For example, communist guerrilla emerged in Malaysia and
Indonesia. Other Southeast Asian countries feared that the Domino Theory of the US would come true.
They would fall under communist influence if South Vietnam became a communist country. Therefore,
some Southeast Asian countries wanted to unite for regional stability and national safety. They hoped to
avoid communist invasion. In 1967, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia co-
founded ASEAN in order to strengthen their links with each other. As the Vietnamese War ended in 1975,
the communist regime of North Vietnam successfully unified Vietnam. At the same time, communist
governments were set up in Cambodia and Laos. From 1978-1979, the USSR supported Vietnam’s
invasion of Cambodia. In response to the spread of communism, the Southeast Asian countries, the
Southeast Asian countries condemned Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia through ASEAN and demanded
the withdrawal of Vietnamese troops. ASEAN members also had joint military drills and exchanged
military intelligence. This showed that external Cold War developments had shaped different political
orientations in Southeast Asia, as well as founding the basis of their regional co-operation.
(IV) International status as newborn countries

- The Southeast Asian countries gained their independence only after WWII. In international context, as
newborn countries, their political and economic developments were yet to be stable. As the Southeast
Asian countries worried that they would be threatened by external factors (especially when Asia was an
important venue for the competition between the US and the USSR), they hoped to unite together and
boosted their international influence though economic co-operation. The Southeast Asian countries
gradually developed regional economic integration through ASEAN: for example, they co-operated in the
tourist industry in the 1980s. To promote the development of tourism in the region, they hosted the
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ASEAN Tourism Forum starting from 1981. They also designated 1986 as a ‘Visit ASEAN Year’ and
promoted ASEAN as a single tourist destination. In addition, ASEAN signed a set of agreements, such as
the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (1995), the Basic Agreement on ASEAN Industrial Co-
operation Scheme (1996) and the Framework Agreement on the ASEAN Investment Area (1998). These
agreements promoted the industrial and commercial development within the region. To promote free trade
within Southeast Asia, ASEAN proposed the establishment of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in
1992. From 1993 onwards, ASEAN countries have gradually lowered the tariff rates and removed tariff
barriers. This helped ASEAN achieve internal economic integration at an earlier stage. Since ASEAN had
brought lasting regional stability, its member states could focus on developing their economies. As a
result, the GNPs of all ASEAN countries (except the Philippines) increased rapidly. In Thailand, the GNP
increased sharply from US$ 6.7 billion in 1970 to US$ 72.2 billion in 1990. With the efforts of ASEAN,
Southeast Asian countries, which had been Western colonies for centuries, established equal diplomatic
relations with major Western powers in a few decades after gaining their independence. The EU, the US,
Japan and other countries were willing to meet with ASEAN countries to discuss business and
commercial affairs. This showed that the inferior status of the Southeast Asian countries as newborn
countries was one of their motivations to co-operate with each other. As ASEAN continued to develop,
the volume of trade between ASEAN and other countries far exceeded that among its members. This
reflected that the Southeast Asian countries could really secure their international status through ASEAN.
(3) Conclusion
- Japanese invasion, decline of the colonial powers, the Cold War developments and international status as
newborn countries were important external factors which affected the regional development of Southeast Asia
after WWII.
2018-ME-A-38

Suggested Answers For Mock Exam Paper Paper 1 (Data-Based Questions)

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2019 Mock Exam (Suggested Answers)

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PAPER 1 (DATA-BASED QUESTIONS)

The answer should be negative; otherwise it would be difficult to give reasons.

L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source; or [max. 2]

L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using clues from the Source. [max. 1]

The answer should be positive; otherwise it would be difficult to give reasons.

Japanese politics underwent modernisation (e.g.):

Not thorough Westernisation (e.g.):

The answer should be positive; otherwise it would be difficult to give reasons.

L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source [max. 2]

The answer should be positive; otherwise it would be difficult to give reasons.

L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source; or [max. 2]

(b) Suggest a caption for the cartoon in Source E [4 marks]

L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source; or [max. 2]

The answer should be negative for easier justification.

Own knowledge (e.g.):

L1 Vague answer, ineffective in using the Source; or [max. 2]

Political purposes (e.g.):

The answer should be the USSR for easier justification.

Threats the USSR posed on the US (e.g.):

US in a short time. (Own knowledge)

PAPER 2 (ESSAY-TYPE QUESTIONS)

- Shows little understanding of the question, with no distinction made

How to tackle the question:

(III) 1970-1980s: Improvement in living quality brought by increase in income

(IV) 1980s: Improvement in education level as condition for economic transformation

(V) 1980-1990s: Influence of economic transformation on reproduction intention

mistakes in writing/spelling important personal and place names.

How to tackle the question:

(II) Other factors

mistakes in writing/spelling important personal and place names.

How to tackle the question:

(III) Social aspect

(IV) Social aspect

How to tackle the question:

(III) Peace treaties

(IV) Co-operations between nations

How to tackle the question:

(II) Ideological differences

(III) Deep-rooted distrust

(IV) Attitude of the leaders

(V) Changes in international situation

How to tackle the question:

greater representativeness than the League of Nations.

(II) Peacekeeping methods

(III) Areas of co-operation

How to tackle the question:

(II) Decline of the colonial powers

(III) The Cold War developments

(IV) International status as newborn countries

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