Question

Read an excerpt from an informational document. The Japanese set up their own school system that taught Japanese, and banned Korean language and history. They promoted the Japanese Shinto religion by setting up shrines in villages, at a time when many Koreans were Christian. They promoted Japanese business and confiscated Korean lands. Korea became a place to sell Japanese goods, and raise rice for the Japanese people. Despite the official policy of one nation, many Japanese people considered Korean people inferior. Which detail best supports the thesis that Japan wanted Koreans to assimilate to Japanese culture?

a) "Banned Korean language and history"
b) "Koreans were Christian"
c) "Promoted Japanese business"
d) "Policy of one nation"

Answer 1

The banning of the Korean language and history by the Japanese colonial government is the strongest evidence of Japan's attempts to make Koreans assimilate to Japanese culture.

Step-by-step explanation:

The detail that best supports the thesis that Japan wanted Koreans to assimilate to Japanese culture is "Banned Korean language and history". This action reflects a direct attempt to suppress Korean cultural identity and replace it with Japanese elements, which is a clear indicator of forced assimilation. By banning the native language and history, the Japanese colonial government sought to erase Korean heritage and ensure that future generations of Koreans would identify more with Japanese culture, thereby weakening Korean national identity and making Korea more amenable to Japanese influence and rule.