History 9389: International Relations, 1871–1945 Topical Past Paper Questions

China and Japan, 1919–1945 (a) Why did the second Sino-Japanese War begin in 1937? [10] (b) ‘The rise of militarism in Japan was caused by the ways in which other powers treated Japan after the First World War.’ How far do you agree? [20]

China and Japan, 1919–1945 (a) Why did the Chinese Communist Party survive Chiang Kai-shek's attempt to destroy it? [10] (b) How significant was the war in Europe to Japan's decision to launch a series of offensive strikes in December 1941? [20]

China and Japan, 1919–1945 (a) Why did Japan feel it essential to attack Pearl Harbor? [10] (b) ‘In the period from 1925 to 1937, the Kuomintang lost more than it gained under the leadership of Chiang Kai-shek.’ How far do you agree? [20]