A LEVEL HISTORY A: Actual June 2025 PAST PAPER 1: Japan 1853–1937. All Assessment
Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y217/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 Japan 1853–1937 Paper (OCR Y217/01) integrates the full official
examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a focused and comprehensive revision
resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of Japan’s political, social, and economic
transformation from the end of its isolation through the Meiji Restoration and into the early 20th century.
Candidates must analyse primary and secondary sources, evaluate competing historical interpretations,
and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. By presenting each question alongside its marking
criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner expectations, analytical depth, and the structured
responses required for higher-band marks. This combined format supports targeted revision, strengthens
source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and prepares students for success in the May/June 2026 OCR
A Level History A Japan 1853–1937 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following had the greater impact on changes in Japan during the period from
1868 to 1912?
(i) Ending of the power of the Samurai
(ii) Industrial growth
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* Assess the reasons for the growth of opposition to the Shogunate. [20]
2
(a) Which of the following was more significant in Japanese foreign relations before 1914?
(i) Relations with Russia
(ii) Relations with the USA
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How important was the development of militarism in the growth of nationalism in Japan during the
period from 1920 to 1937? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y217/01 Jun25
, GCE
History A
Y217/01: Non-British period study: Japan 1853-1937
A Level
Mark Scheme for June 2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
Questions & Mark Scheme [OCR Y217/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The A Level History A June 2025 Japan 1853–1937 Paper (OCR Y217/01) integrates the full official
examination paper with its detailed mark scheme to create a focused and comprehensive revision
resource. This paper assesses students’ understanding of Japan’s political, social, and economic
transformation from the end of its isolation through the Meiji Restoration and into the early 20th century.
Candidates must analyse primary and secondary sources, evaluate competing historical interpretations,
and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. By presenting each question alongside its marking
criteria, the resource offers clear guidance on examiner expectations, analytical depth, and the structured
responses required for higher-band marks. This combined format supports targeted revision, strengthens
source evaluation and essay-writing skills, and prepares students for success in the May/June 2026 OCR
A Level History A Japan 1853–1937 examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Answer Question 1 or Question 2.
1
(a) Which of the following had the greater impact on changes in Japan during the period from
1868 to 1912?
(i) Ending of the power of the Samurai
(ii) Industrial growth
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* Assess the reasons for the growth of opposition to the Shogunate. [20]
2
(a) Which of the following was more significant in Japanese foreign relations before 1914?
(i) Relations with Russia
(ii) Relations with the USA
Explain your answer with reference to both (i) and (ii). [10]
(b)* How important was the development of militarism in the growth of nationalism in Japan during the
period from 1920 to 1937? [20]
END OF QUESTION PAPER
© OCR 2025 Y217/01 Jun25
, GCE
History A
Y217/01: Non-British period study: Japan 1853-1937
A Level
Mark Scheme for June 2025
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations
