ACJC JC2 H2 History Paper 2 Prelims 2025 - Suggested Approaches

ACJC/History/JC2/2025 1 ACJC 9174 JC2 H2 History Paper 2 (Southeast Asian History) Prelims Suggested Approaches (a) Compare and contrast the evidence provided in Sources A and B about the unity of ASEAN towards the South China Sea dispute. Similarity: Unity in managing dispute South China Sea dispute in a diplomatic manner Difference: willingness to go beyond peaceful means to resolve the dispute (b) How far do Sources A -F support the view that ASEAN was ineffective in managing the South China Sea dispute? Support Sources: B, C, D and F Challenge Sources: A, C and E Preferred Stand/Set: Support 2. To what extent were the masses responsible for the establishment of democratic governments in independent Southeast Asian states? 1. It can be said that the masses participation in constitutional processes in the form of elections ensured the establishment of democratic governments. 2. Furthermore, this was also seen in the mass’ decision to actually remove authoritarian governments, paving the way for democratic governments to be established. 3. However, the removal of authoritarian governments was precedented by the masses’ helplessness to deal with manipulative leaders who manipulated democratic processes to uphold authoritarian regimes instead. 4. In addition, the reactive nature of the masses meant that the statement overlooked the more proactive and successful role played by political elites who negotiated for the independence of some Southeast Asian governments and subsequently upholding democracy as the default structure. 3. ‘Accommodative approaches by independent Southeast Asian governments succeeded in achieving national unity.’ How far do you agree with this claim? 1. Accommodative approaches were indeed successful in achieving national unity as seen by how governments which upheld multiculturalism were able to ensure that diverse communities were able to co-exist harmoniously. 2. Furthermore, accommodative approaches saw governments and aggressive minority factions work towards a peaceful resolution to ongoing conflicts. 3. However, the statement overlooked how accommodative approaches were often superficial in nature as seen by how these approaches failed to adequately address long existing cracks between ethnic groups as seen by continued failure of these groups to coexist. 4. Also, despite the increased attempts to accommodate militant minority groups through peaceful negotiations, these attempts were often undermined by the unwillingness of some

ACJC/History/JC2/2025 2 groups to achieve a compromise or through the formation of more aggressive fallout factions which continued to undermine national unity. 4. How important was economic diversification to the economic development of independent Southeast Asian states? 1. It can be said that diversification was important to the development of independent Southeast Asian states as seen in how the diversification of the products and services led to greater range of consumption at both domestic and international level which in turn led to greater economic growth. 2. Furthermore, the importance of diversification was further emphasized when countries which were resistant to diversification became economically underdeveloped. 3. However, while diversification was important, there were governments which were able to attain growth by focusing on enhancing their agricultural sectors. 4. Furthermore, the extent through which governments enjoy economic development through diversification could be offset when these governments succumb to corruption themselves which compromised the attainment of equity. 5. ‘Independent Southeast Asian states struggled to attain economic nationalism.’ How far do you agree with the view? 1. The devastating effects of the Second World War coupled with the dawn of the Cold War meant that Southeast Asian governments desired a quick fix measure to resuscitate their economies which came in the form of foreign aid. This led to overdependence and fu rther delay in the creation of a skilled workforce and sound domestic industry. 2. Furthermore, Southeast Asian states were known to have struggled with economic nationalism when their desire for quick growth meant an overdependence on the contributions of foreign investments at the expense of the enhancement of domestic manpower and industries. 3. However, in countries with closed economic policies, economic nationalism was easily attained as foreign elements were prohibited from actually establishing themselves. 4. Also, prior to the embrace of liberal policies, capitalist governments’ ensured that its key domestic industries were protected to ensure employment and stable economic foundations.