2025 HKDSE 中國歷史 Practice Paper | DSE Mock

Source A: During the reign of Emperor Wu, military campaigns were waged against foreign tribes externally, and grand construction projects were launched internally. Corvée labor was frequent, and the common people were exhausted. Thus, offices for salt and iron were established to monopolize the empire's goods, competing with the people for profit. Furthermore, the 'decree of reporting property' (Gaomin) was enacted, causing middle-class merchants and above to lose their fortunes. Public resentment seethed, and banditry arose in abundance. Source B: Since the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, our powerful neighbor invaded, and our countrymen have all embraced the resolve to fight to the death. In the Battle of Taierzhuang, our officers and soldiers fought bloodily and eventually crushed the elite forces of the Japanese invaders. The victory of this battle not only heavily dealt a blow to the enemy's arrogance, but also made the military and civilians nationwide firmly believe: 'Regardless of whether they are in the north or south, young or old, everyone bears the responsibility to defend our land and resist.' As long as the Kuomintang and the Communist Party join forces to resist external aggression, ultimate victory will surely be ours. Questions: Part A: Ruling Policies of Qin and Han (20 marks) (1) Based on Source A, identify two economic policies implemented by Emperor Wu of Han to resolve his financial crisis, and state which social class was most heavily affected by these policies. (4 marks) (2) 'Emperor Wu's active foreign expansion and domestic construction brought both splendor and hidden crises.' Based on Source A and your historical knowledge, explain this statement. (6 marks) (3) Compare the ideological control policies of Qin Shi Huang ('burning of books and burying of scholars') and Emperor Wu of Han ('revering Confucianism alone'). Which ruler's policy was more effective in maintaining long-term political stability? Explain your answer with historical facts. (10 marks) Part B: Anti-Japanese War (20 marks) (4) Based on Source B and your historical knowledge, state the significance of the 'Battle of Taierzhuang' in the early stage of the War of Resistance, and identify the historical event that marked the official formation of the KMT-CCP United Front mentioned in the source. (4 marks) (5) 'The War of Resistance was a national self-defense war that mobilized all sectors of society.' Based on Source B and your historical knowledge, explain how Chinese citizens and different political parties contributed to the resistance. (6 marks) (6) 'The cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party was the most critical factor in China's victory in the War of Resistance.' Do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer with reference to the political and military developments of the war. (10 marks)

Answer the following questions regarding the ruling policies of Emperor Wu of the Western Han:

(a) Briefly describe two financial measures implemented by Emperor Wu of Han to resolve financial crises. (6 marks)

(b) Analyze how 'Dismissing the hundred schools of thought and venerating Confucianism alone' helped consolidate the political unification of the Western Han. (9 marks)

(c) 'Emperor Wu's policies of external expansion and internal centralization laid the foundation for the long-term stability of the Han dynasty, but also sowed the seeds of social decline.' Do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer with historical facts. (10 marks)

The War of Resistance against Japan (1937–1945) was a pivotal turning point in modern Chinese history. Answer the following questions:

(a) Briefly describe the background of the 'Xi'an Incident' (1936) and its direct impact on facilitating the second KMT-CCP cooperation. (6 marks)

(b) Analyze the respective strategic roles and contributions of the National Government's 'Frontline Battlefield' and the Chinese Communist Party's 'Behind Enemy Lines Battlefield' during the War of Resistance. (9 marks)

(c) 'The ultimate victory in the War of Resistance against Japan was primarily due to the close cooperation between the KMT and the CCP, rather than external factors (such as the entry of the US and USSR into the war).' Do you agree with this view? Explain your answer with historical facts. (10 marks)

During the May Fourth period, Chinese intellectuals subjected traditional Chinese culture, particularly Confucianism, to rigorous scrutiny.

(a) Analyze the core arguments raised by Chen Duxiu and Wu Yu in their criticism of Confucian ethics during the New Culture Movement. (10 marks)

(b) "The total condemnation of traditional Confucianism by May Fourth intellectuals was a necessary step for China's modernization." To what extent do you agree with this view? Explain your answer with historical facts. (15 marks)

Sima Qian (司馬遷) and Qiu Jin (秋瑾) were two prominent intellectuals from different historical periods who demonstrated great courage in the pursuit of their ideals.

(a) Describe how Sima Qian completed 'Shiji' (Records of the Grand Historian) despite suffering severe humiliation, and how Qiu Jin dedicated her life to the anti-Qing revolutionary movement. (12 marks)

(b) Compare and analyze how the personal sacrifices and choices of Sima Qian and Qiu Jin reflected the traditional Chinese intellectual characteristic of 'worrying about the state and the people' (憂國憂民). (13 marks)