Japan under Militarist Rule

Question 1

How did the Militarist Consolidate their power?

Answer 1

• Following political changes in 1932, the Japanese Cabinet was
  predominantly composed of military officers.
• By 1934, Military officers were allowed to occupy roles in the civil
  service that were previously reserved for civilians.
• The foreign affairs ministry transferred supervision of Manchuria to the
  military, showcasing the increasing dominance of the military in key
  government functions.
• Militarist govt carried out campaign of “electoral purification” to remove corrupt practices and to remove any opposition groups to the militarist govt such as the communist and socialist
• Increased support from the Japanese for the military → Growing military influence → civilian politicians’ powers to diminish
• 1937, Prince Konoe appointed as PM → permitted the formation of the political cabinet to be mostly military officers
• Shifted the control of Japan’s finances to the hands of the military (before was civilian govt taking charge)
• By 1941, the military had established a firm control over the government, effectively leading to a militarist regime.
• 1941, appointed the first PM from the army – General Tojo Hideki → signalled total control

Question 2

What were the economic changes and policies did the Militarist carry out?

Answer 2

• Exercise control over the “Zaibatsu” → deemed as wasteful and unhealthily competitive → seeking profits for themselves rather than for the needs of the country
• To prevent it militarist govt passed the Principal Industries Control Law (1931) which was:
  
  • To make legal for Zaibatsu to form cartels to limit competition
  • To regulate the productions and control prices of goods produced
  • Cartels established in heavy industries such as shipbuilding, electric power, textiles, and coal mining.
• Govt became increasing controlling of the zaibatsu i.e. 1936 force control the electric power industry under direct control of the govt → Zaibatsu angered as they were unable to control and make profits out of their own businesses
• In 1937, under the Five-Year Plans, the govt set targets for production which further controlled the Zaibatsu from producing freely for the needs of society and from making profit
• • Great Depression hit farmers with heavy debt → struggle to pay their rent and taxes
• Govt introduced measures to improve farmers’ livelihood and reduce debts (How?):
  
  • to pay off debts → increased job opportunities such as public works in the countryside → able to make money → reduce debt
• Ministry of Agriculture launched the Campaign for Economic Revitalisation → to strengthen the countryside by reviving the spirit of co-operation, utilising scientific farming methods and guidance to manage crops and finances on their farms → increase production → increase income → better prosperity and livelihood

Question 3

What were the social changes and policies did the Militarist carry out?

Answer 3

Strengthening Control Over Education with Fundamentals of Our National Polity (1951):
* Document used to guide education with a focus on Japanese traditional ethics.
* Aimed to instill patriotism and militarist values in students.

Curriculum Changes:
* Emphasis on ultranationalist and militarist ideals.
* Physical exercise and military-style drilling incorporated into the curriculum.
* Lessons focused on preparing youths for military service and instilling a sense of national duty.

Promotion of Traditional Values:
* Education stressed loyalty to the Emperor and Shinto beliefs.
* Emphasis on community over the individual and national pride.
Education policies reinforced the militarist and ultranationalist ideology,
preparing youths for future military roles and fostering loyalty to the
state.