japan

Question 1

What caused political fragmentation in Japan from 1912-1932?

Answer 1

• Weak Emperor Taisho couldn’t unify Japan.
• Civilian politicians and military were divided.
• Frequent power struggles among civilian politicians.

Question 2

How did political fragmentation impact Japan’s government?

Answer 2

• Coalition governments were unstable and indecisive.
• Highlighted government’s weakness and instability.

Question 3

Why was there military discontent in Japan during this period?

Answer 3

• Military felt civilian government favored the zaibatsu (big business).
• Budget cuts seen as disrespectful to the military.
• Navy upset by limits on warship building from international agreements.

Question 4

What were the economic problems Japan faced from 1912-1932?

Answer 4

• High inflation, unemployment, and economic hardship after 1923 earthquake.
• Open-door trade policy made Japan vulnerable to global economic fluctuations.

Question 5

What was the rural-urban divide in Japan during this time?

Answer 5

• Rural areas had lower income and poor infrastructure.
• Wealth gaps widened, with rural workers living in poverty.

Question 6

How did the Great Depression affect Japan?

Answer 6

• Economic suffering widespread; farmers’ incomes dropped significantly.
• Unemployment led to protests and growing distrust in the government.

Question 7

What was the Mukden Incident, and how did it affect Japan?

Answer 7

• Japanese military blew up a railway in 1931, blaming China.
• Led to Japan’s takeover of Manchuria, showing military power over civilian government.

Question 8

What was the impact of rising ultranationalism in Japan?

Answer 8

• Ultranationalists used violence to remove civilian leaders.
• Assassinations and intimidation led to instability, paving the way for military rule.

Question 9

How did militarist rule impact Japan’s government after 1932?

Answer 9

• Military gained more influence in government.
• Prepared Japan for war and reduced political fragmentation, bringing stability.

Question 10

What were the economic impacts of militarist rule in Japan?

Answer 10

Focus on industrialization and heavy industry.
Rural conditions improved slightly through public works and better farming methods.

Question 11

How did militarist rule control Japanese society?

Answer 11

Censorship and propaganda promoted militarist ideas.
Education emphasized loyalty, patriotism, and military readiness.

Question 12

How did the military view the Washington Naval Conference?

Answer 12

Saw it as a limitation of Japanese naval power.
Felt betrayed by civilian leaders for agreeing to unfavorable terms.

Question 13

What led to the banking crisis in Japan in 1927?

Answer 13

• Industries couldn’t pay off post-WW1 loans.
• Panic withdrawals caused banks to collapse, leading to economic hardship.

Question 14

What was the significance of the 1930 London Naval Conference for Japan?

Answer 14

• Japanese demands for more warships were rejected.
• Deepened military discontent with civilian government decisions.

Question 15

What was the public reaction to the economic policies of civilian politicians?

Answer 15

• Growing resentment, especially in rural areas.
• Perceived favoritism towards zaibatsu and neglect of ordinary people.

Question 16

How did ultranationalists justify their extreme actions?

Answer 16

• Believed in restoring direct rule to the emperor.
• Used assassinations and intimidation to push anti-democratic agendas.

Question 17

What was the outcome of the Mukden Incident?

Answer 17

Japan established a puppet state in Manchuria (Manchukuo).
Military’s actions were largely supported by the public.

Question 18

What was the League of Blood, and what did they do?

Answer 18

• Ultranationalist group that assassinated political leaders in 1932.
• Increased instability and paved the way for military dominance.

Question 19

How did militarist rule affect Japan’s industrialization?

Answer 19

Focused on heavy industries and weapon production.
New zaibatsu like Nissan and Mitsubishi played key roles in economic development.

Question 20

What was the government’s approach to labor unions under militarist rule?

Answer 20

• Forced thousands of workers to leave unions.
• Made industrialization smoother but left workers without representation.

Question 21

How did militarist rule attempt to improve rural conditions?

Answer 21

• Introduced public works projects and scientific farming methods.
• Aimed to revitalize the countryside, but with limited success due to the focus on industry.

Question 22

How was education used to promote militarist ideas?

Answer 22

• Emphasized Shinto beliefs, loyalty to the emperor, and ultranationalist ideas.
• Military drills prepared youth for future wars.

Question 23

How did censorship work under militarist rule in Japan?

Answer 23

• Media was strictly controlled by the government.
• Only militarist and ultranationalist ideas were promoted; dissent was punished.

Question 24

What role did the kempeitai play in militarist Japan?

Answer 24

• Served as a special police force to enforce censorship and punish dissenters.
• Created a climate of fear to ensure loyalty to the government

Question 25

What were the effects of militarist rule on political stability in Japan?

Answer 25

Reduced political fragmentation by giving the military control.
Brought about stability, but at the cost of civilian leadership and democratic processes.