move to global war notes Flashcards
(162 cards)
what is the international system
- The League of Nations: The facilitator of collective security [joint action of several nations against a single nation that has acted aggressively]. Types of action can include:
o Moral disapproval
o Economic sanctions
o Military sanctions - International treaties - pacts signed between government promising to follow suite in a particular direction. Examples include:
o Washington Conference system
o Nine-power treaty
what nationalist and militarist beliefs propelled japanese imperialistic foreign policies
- Desire to be on a par with the Western nations’ power
- Belief that they were Asia’s leader
- Needed raw materials and markets
- Growing regard for militarism, which claim to stand for nationalism
treaty of kanagawa 1854
Treaty of Kanagawa (1854)
American Naval Officer Matthew Perry forced the Japanese to sign, and given how China was terrorized into signing humiliating treaties after resisting, they had to agree.
Feudal system dismantled for a limited form of democracy. It led to reforms, specifically for the military [British aid to establish Navy ; took on German tactics]
effect of treaty of kanagawa 1854 on militarism
While there is no direct impact on militarism, it was the very foundations of the military - the institution that later goes on to take over the civilian government in shaped drastically by this treaty [as it opened Japan’s borders to the wider world, where it learnt and formed ties to build up its strength].
Additionally, it is likely that this is the point where the resentment towards the West started, in terms of the desire to become equal for fear of another attack or “bullying”.
Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)
Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)
After winning the first Sino-Japanese War, the treaty positioned it as the first Asian world power with an empire
* Took islands [Formosa]
* Pay large indemnity
* Recognized Korea’s independence
HOWEVER
The West [Germany, USSR, France and Britain] all feared Japan’s growing power
* Forced them to give up Liaodong and other Chinese territory
effect of Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895) on militarism
The Reaction from the west was the primary driver for growing idea that militarism was needed against the (perceived) West, for this was the second major action of bullying.
This view was shared by the military, and this was reflected in the policy change that the ministerial representative of the army and naval had to now come from the higher ranking officers. It was also reflected in the increase of local industrial production over imports [in an unofficial target of autarky]
russo japanese war 1904-05
Interest in Korea and Manchuria clashed.
With a surprise attack, huge mobilization of the nation’s manpower [1 million sent to the front], and overstretching their economy, they won.
Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)
Gained control of Korea, South Manchuria, Port Arthur, etc.
effect of russo japanese war on militarism
This fuelled the Japanese’s nationalistic spirit to a limited degree. They were disappointed with the Treaty of Portsmouth as they thought more could be gained out of the treaty.
However, Japan gained tremendous respect from the West and from other Asian nations, as they defeated the Western powers.
* This “affirmed” Japan’s destiny to be the leader of Asia
reasons for entering world war 1 for japan
- Opportunities to expand its influence in Asia
Japan seized Germany’s bases on the Shandong Peninsula and occupy its south pacific possessions. - Issue of “21 Deamnds” on China
Included: (a) Extra commercial privileges in Manchuria (b) Could not lease coastal territory to other nations - Economic Growth
Trade with Allies and Asian markets [as the Allies could not maintain their colonies], leading to an increase in exports
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results of ww1 for japan
Results of WW1
German islands [Pacific Islands]
Failure to achieve the acceptance of the Racial Equality Clause in the LON”s Charter
effect of ww1 on miliatarism i japan
Overall, it contributed to the Japanese welfare. The more important fact came from the outcome, which was that Japan was on the winning side.
On a side note, the 21 Demands had to be modified because British, US and some Japanese parliamentary members thought they were too outrageous. This perhaps led to a degree of resentment, merely as a compounding factor.
This established Japan as an economic power on the mainland, and a main naval power in the West Pacific
This was a major blow to the Japanese, and an overt sign of the rejection of Asian-origins to be on a par with the West, thereby indicating that Japan would have to overpower the West [as being on a par would not be accepted every].
bolshevik rev in japan
Supported the Whites along with Britain, France and the US. However, the three nations left, and the Whites ended up losing to the Reds.
effect of bolshevik rev in japan
This caused a mistrust of Britain and the US for leaving at a crucial period. This may have contributed [to a limited degree] to their exponentially deteriorating relationship [in the initial phase].
It also caused protest because of the wasted resources and failure to control the arm, thereby undermining the people’s opinion of the liberal government.
A collection of Peace Treaties and ties throughout the 1920s
PM Hara’s policies to enter Japan into the League of Nations [accepted as a member of the council]
Foreign Minister Kijuro built Japan’s foreign policies around internationalism.
1. Developed Japan’s economy through economic advancements in China and good relationships with the US
2. Washington Conference (1921) ; Nine-Power Treaty (1922) ; Five-Power Treaty
Essentially these conferences established negotiations to maintain peace.
Some of the terms included to (a) respect China’s sovereignty (b) return Germany’s concessions (c) Restrict competitive rearmament
effect of a collection of peace treaties and ties throughout the 1920s
All treaties show Japanese willingness to cooperate in the international community, and this was supported by internal change to liberalism and democracy.
However, it should be noted that in many of these treaties, a number of concessions were made from the Japanese side, and therefore, it appears submissive to the government. An example would be the unfair ratio of armament for Britain, USA and Japan
[5:5:3]
This is a shift away from the typical viewpoint of how dangerous the West was, and how militarism was the defense line [instead of diplomacy]. It shows the discontinuity from the previously growing nationalism/militarism, and due to a lack of direct engagement with those two rising phenomenon, it plagues the system from behind, and grows out of proportion until it takes over the government.
Characterization of the Taisho Democracy:
- PM is typically the leader of the biggest political party, and controls the Diet [parliament]
- 1925: All adult males could vote.
- Society and mass media were open and very influential.
fragile democracy as weakness of the political system
- Financial scandals and election law violation
- Links with political parties and landlord and businesses
- Peace Preservation Law (1920)
There was a growing fear of left-wing radicalism, especially given that the democratic system provided them a platform for them to take over the government and take the spotlight.
Thus, this law was established to “clamp down opposition” against the democracy, specifically aimed at the communist.
effect of fragile democracy as weakness of the political system
Undermined the system from very early on as it lost the public’s trust and support. Essentially, corruption within the system caused it to lose respect.
This problem essentially set up a weak foundation for the democratic situation, and thereby gave people less reason to pursue democracy as the “ideal” form of governance. Despite the system itself not being entirely flawed [but rather lacking policies to keep in check the users of the system, who were the ones actually committing the offense], it did take the brunt as people became more militaristic in the views and beliefs.
Opposition to internationalism and support of military involvement in Politics as weakness of the political system
Hara’s plans were seen as “betrayal” of Japan by the conservatives and military: Bix - The Western nations used treaties to limited Japanese expansion overseas.
They instead campaigned for more aggressive policies against China, in order to build up their empire as the “future power of Asia”.
US quota on immigration that ignored Asiatics
With the coming of Emperor Hirohito, the revival of nationalism, the idea that the Emperor is a living God, and Japan’s “destiny” followed.
effect of Opposition to internationalism and support of military involvement in Politics as weakness of the political system
The existence of these views is proof of the underlying nationalistic/militaristic views that were ignored with the change of political approach with PM Hara. As it was not dealt with [rather just ignored], it was allowed to take root in politics, and eventually craft the case into why nationalism should be the forefront with the passing of international relations.
Seen as a “slap in the face” by the Japanese media, and even more so of a reason to not negotiate with them [as there was no mutual respect to have a conversation on]
This contributed [acceleration] to the nationalist ideology taking root among the people, as it was highly promoted and attached to an icon of cultural significance.
growing economy crisis as weakness of political system for japan
Economic boost was lost after the war ended [1921] as the West retrieved their former colony markets. It led to increasing unemployment, and subsequently industrial unrest.
Farmers suffered greatly from falling rice prices and police suppression when attempting to form political groups about their issues.
effect of growing economy crisis as weakness of political system for japan
This generated significant societal rifts - industrial unrest, divide between the urban and rural areas. By dividing the society, it allows people to become more emotional and angry.
This emotion was directed against the political system, which was linked with capitalist corruption
how is the political instability of china reason for japanese expansion
This appealing solution in a time of crisis “seduced” the Japanese to invade it as a colony. While Japan was in a desperate situation, it must be noted that imperialism and militaristic tactics were their preferred method of dealing with the issue, instead of diplomacy. This indicates how their other beliefs played into the characterization of how they dealt with the crisis and with China.
The positive feedback loop consists of the belief that Japan should rule Asia, Japan’s victories (showcasing its strength as proving its belief), and the rising popularity of Nationalism and Militarism. This was fed by China’s instability as it was evidence that other Asian nations could not take care of themselves, and needed the Japanese to take care of them.
Invasion and colonization by the West after losing the opium wars as political instability in china
European powers had conquered and divided China for their own economic, militaristic and legal gains on Chinese soil [it was effectively a colony]
While theoretically, China was independent, in practise, China was at the mercy of other nations, treaties and “gunboat diplomacy”.
The country was further destabilized by firstly warlords that did not unite the country, then a civil war between the GMD and the CCP.:
* The ruling party at the time of invasion prioritized defeating the communist over the foreign invaders [Japan]