Source A: Extract from the Hong Kong Annual Report, 1954.
'The trade of Hong Kong during 1953-1954 has suffered severely from the international restrictions imposed on trade with China due to the Korean War. The traditional entrepot trade, which has been the lifeblood of this colony for a century, is no longer sufficient to sustain our growing population. However, this crisis has forced a dramatic shift. Local capital and entrepreneurship are rapidly turning to industrial manufacturing...'
Source B: Value of Hong Kong's exports (in million HKD):
Year | Re-exports to China | Domestic Exports (Local Products)
1950 | 1460 | 400
1955 | 380 | 730
1960 | 120 | 2280
- A.According to Source A, identify two difficulties faced by Hong Kong's trade in the early 1950s. [3 marks]
- B.With reference to Source B, describe the trend of Hong Kong's export structure from 1950 to 1960. [4 marks]
- C.'The UN embargo on China was a blessing in disguise for Hong Kong's economic development.' Do you agree? Explain your answer with reference to Sources A and B, and your own knowledge. [8 marks]
Source A: A British political cartoon published in 1948.
It shows a large tractor labeled 'Marshall Plan' driving through a field labeled 'European Recovery', pulling a plow that turns up rich soil. In the background, Joseph Stalin is depicted frantically trying to build a wooden fence labeled 'Cominform' to block the tractor, while holding a sign that says 'No Entry to Western Imperialists'.
Source B: Extract from a speech by Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov, July 1947.
'The so-called Marshall Plan does not aim at the genuine economic recovery of Europe. Instead, it is a clever scheme designed to split Europe into two groups and to establish a sphere of influence for American monopoly capitalism. Under the guise of aid, the United States seeks to dictate the domestic policies of European nations and subjugate their sovereignty to American economic interests...'
- A.According to Source A, what was the cartoonist's attitude towards the Marshall Plan? Support your answer with one clue from the cartoon. [3 marks]
- B.With reference to Source B, explain why the Soviet Union opposed the Marshall Plan. [4 marks]
- C.To what extent did the Marshall Plan intensify Cold War tensions in Europe? Support your answer with reference to Sources A and B, and your own knowledge. [8 marks]
Source A: Extract from the Imperial Edict on Reform issued by the Qing Court, January 1901.
'Certain principles of government are unalterable, but the administrative methods must adapt to the times. For decades, China has adhered to obsolete ways, leading to weakness. We must now adopt the administrative strengths of the Western powers to supplement our shortcomings. We shall reform our education, military, and administrative systems to make our Empire strong and prosperous once more, while firmly maintaining the fundamental laws of our ancestors.'
Source B: Extract from an article in 'Minbao' (The People's Journal), a Chinese revolutionary publication, 1907.
'The Manchu court's talk of "constitutional reform" and "New Policies" is nothing but a grand deceit. They establish new ministries only to fill them with Manchu nobles, and they reform the army only to strengthen their hold over the Han people. True modernisation cannot be achieved under a corrupt foreign dynasty that prioritizes its clan's survival over the nation's welfare. Only by overthrowing this regime can a modern, democratic republic be born.'
- A.According to Source A, what was the primary purpose of the Qing dynasty's 'New Policies'? [3 marks]
- B.With reference to Source B, identify two criticisms the revolutionaries had towards the Qing government's reforms. [4 marks]
- C.'The Late Qing Reforms paved the way for the downfall of the Qing dynasty rather than its salvation.' Do you agree? Support your answer with reference to Sources A and B, and your own knowledge. [8 marks]
Source A: Extract from Emperor Haile Selassie's speech to the League of Nations, June 1936.
'I am here today to claim that justice which is due to my people, and the assistance promised to us eight months ago by fifty-two nations who declared that an act of aggression had been committed... What real assistance has been given to Ethiopia? None. If a strong government finds that it can with impunity destroy a weak people, then the hour has struck for that weak people to appeal to the League of Nations. God and history will remember your judgment... It is collective security itself that is at stake.'
Source B: Extract from a British newspaper editorial, October 1935.
'While we deeply sympathize with the Ethiopian people, we must urge our government to act with the utmost caution. Imposing a complete oil embargo on Italy might push Mussolini into a desperate alliance with Hitler's Germany. We cannot risk a major European war for the sake of East Africa. British security must come first, and maintaining the Stresa Front with France and Italy is crucial to balancing the growing threat of Nazi Germany.'
- A.According to Source A, what warning did the Emperor of Ethiopia give to the League of Nations? [3 marks]
- B.With reference to Source B, explain the difficulties the League of Nations faced in implementing effective sanctions against Italy. [4 marks]
- C.'The failure of collective security in the 1930s was primarily caused by the self-interests of the major European powers.' Do you agree? Support your answer with reference to Sources A and B, and your own knowledge. [8 marks]