Domestic Issues in Japan

Question 1

What were the Japanese political problems in the 1920s?

Answer 1

1. Corruption within the government led to dissatisfaction amongst the public
2. Corruption within the Meiji led to conservative groups (such as the military) to gain influence on their stance against “internationalism”
3. Thus, the coming of new Emperor Hirohito was celebrated with a revival of the idea of nationalism and Japan’s special destiny in the world (shifting away from internationalism)

Question 2

What was the impact of the economic crisis in the 1920s?

Answer 2

1. The economic boom of WWI lasted only till 1922, after which European countries reentered Asian markets
2. Great Depression in 1929 was the top of the ice berg and meant Japan was even more interested in Manchuria as it provided Japan with raw materials and markets to withstand the economic crisis
3. Salary was cut which made the government even more unpopular

Question 3

What were the two factions within the Japanese military?

Answer 3

1. Koda-ha faction
   - radical group
   - military dictatorship with emperor
   - claimed USSR to be the enemy
   - spiritual army training
   - wanted Japanese expansion
2. Tosei-ha faction
   - moderate group
   - legal means to get military influence in the government
   - wanted good relations with USSR
   - modernisation of army
   - wanted Japanese expansion

Question 4

What was the impact of the major assassination of Prime Minister Inukai in 1932?

Answer 4

1. Trial of the conspirators gained widespread support for them and further undermined the government
2. Led to the appointment of Hirota Koki who agreed to:
   - 7 point programme which handed control of government to the military
   - expand arms production
   - sign the Anti-Comintern Pact 1936

This eventually led to the army commanders ordering the invasion of China in 1937