Reasons for Rise of Japanese Militarism Flashcards
nigga
1
Q
Weakness of Democratic Government: Weakness of Emperor
A
Emperor too sickly and weak to exercise authority
Previous politicians retired and without strong emperor, division in government worsened
- military opposed international policy of diplomacy and trade posed by civ govt
- military upset by PM and cabinet cutting military budget
- at times, military refused to supply ministers for army and navy disrupting formation of cabinet
2
Q
Weakness of Democratic Government: Weak position of PM
A
- PM need majority support from diet/govt to pass laws, however Diet was usually coalition govt from multiple political parties hence difficulty
- PM needed to consider opinion of Geno and Privy who advised emperor, hence decisions could be overturned and council could force PM to resign
- Military leaders appointed by emperor and not PM hence PM had no power over military leaders who disobeyed his policies
3
Q
Weakness of Democratic Government: LINK
A
- Weaknesses caused divisions in government
- Divisions worsened by PM and Cabinets introducing policies that alienated millitary
- Eventually military would act independently to disregard and oppose PM and Cabinet
4
Q
Economic Challenges: Rural-Urban Divide (Part 1: After WWI)
A
- during WWI, Japan econ flourished as EU powers occupied with war due to little competition, Jap’s products were superior and overseas exports increase
- after WWI, Japan struggled economy
- severe inflation
- price of rice increase by 174%
- unemployment widespread as demand for overseas exports decrease and businesses close down
- Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 worsened hardship
5
Q
Economic Challenges: Rural-Urban Divide (Part 3: Examples)
A
- Divide between poor and rich became more apparent when govt continued to support wealthy zaibatsu
- zaibatsu: large businesses led by a single family, involved in all impromptu industries in Japan
- wealth concentrated in hands of big businesses, poor lived in perpetual poverty
- in Countryside, richest landlords did not contribute to farms and merely lived off rent from tenants
6
Q
Economic Challenges: Rural-Urban Divide (Part 2: Challenges in Countryside)
A
- Large population growth -> insufficient land
- technological advances (better tools and cultivating techniques) did not spread quickly enough in countryside, resulting in stagnated productivity
- tenant farmers paid rent to landlords through their harvest, leaving them with little to eat
- farmers who owned farms owned small plots of land and were affected by poverty
7
Q
Economic Challenges: Rural-Urban Divide (LINK)
A
- as rich climbed in wealth and poor remained poor, poor grew unhappy towards wealthy.
- ## numerous uprisings led by angry workers who could not cope with rising prices, resulting in disruptions in society, further weakening civilian government
8
Q
Economic Challenges: Changing Role of Women + LINK
A
- Traditionally, role of women was to serve needs of family
- In 1920s, many women perceived as abandoning traditional roles due to greater independence from job wages, some even became active in politics
- LINK: Threat to traditional Japanese society and values, growing unhappiness and tension among traditionalist groups who want to support groups that help to preserve and return to traditional values.
9
Q
Economic Challenges: Banking Crisis of 1927
A
- In 1920s, banks were small and vulnerable, lent money to a small number of borrowers that loaned large sums, if industries performed poorly then couldn’t pay back bank
- In 1927, news broke out that banks had bad debts causing civilians to withdraw their money, resulting in banks collapsing and widespread suffering
10
Q
Economic Challenges: Banking Crisis of 1927 LINK
A
- financial crises (such as the 1927 Banking Crisis) increased public resentment towards civ govt
- despite policies introduced by govt, crises made jap people think that civ govt was weak and unable to solve financial problems. additionally, good relations between zaibatsu and govt made them think govt was corrupt and unfairly favoured zaibatsu
11
Q
Economic Challenges: Impact of Great Depression
A
- After Wall Street Crash of 1929, demand for Japanese exports (mainly silk) fell dramatically
- Between 1929 and 1931, Jap econ fell by 20%, resulting in public resentment of civilian govt
- Farmers: exports fell, and income fell by 41%, formed into unions and held protests which became violent
- Small businesses: consumers rather save than spend, and such businesses closed down, some joined protest movements claiming that political parties looked after the rich and neglected middle class
- General population: mass unemployment, 15% of population from 1930 to 1932
Japan labour laws were limiting, those dismissed were entitled to only 14 days of pay - Rise of Communism: many communists criticized the state and called for revolution, appealed to workers and though suppressed, caused Japan govt to be worried since USSR was geographically close to Japan
12
Q
Economic Challenges: Impact of Great Depression (LINK)
A
- GP & econ problems made people think that govt was corrupt and only cared about elites due to financial gain
- inability to protect civilians made them distrustful and withdraw support
- sentiments would provoke radical new approaches, helping to overcome economic woes and improve living standards
13
Q
Appeal of Ultranationalist faction: Discontentment from Military Officers
A
- miltitary officers (esp those badly affected by economic problems in 1930s) felt political parties and zaibatsu were corrupted and served themselves rather than the country
- govt disrespect when cut military budget
14
Q
Appeal of Ultranationalist faction: Discontentment from Navy
A
- Washington Naval Conference = reduction in naval strength, unfavourable for navy
- London Navy Conference 1930, navy felt betrayed when Japan did not confront Western powers after making request for more warships and being rejected
15
Q
Appeal of Ultranationalist faction: Discontentment from Kwantung Army
A
- created in 1906 to protect Jap’s national interest in Manchuria
- Japan friendly relations with Manchurian warlord Zhang Zuolin, protecting resources in Manchuria
- He became weak causing frustration in army
- Army assassinated him in 1928 and replaced him with more cooperative leader
- Emperor demanded PM to punish military but PM was weak and unable to do so, military was clearly defiant.
