Relations between Japan + US

Question 1

What was US policy towards japan before 1947?

Answer 1

-The US would begin sole occupation of Japan + US General Douglas MacArthur was given sole-decision making powers to help rebuild japan: re-education, democratisation, economic reform and demilitarisation: the ‘reverse’ policy.

Question 2

Why was the US so interested in the reconstructed of japan?

Answer 2

-The communists had won in the Chinese civil war, 1949.
-Japan played an important role in containing communism in East Asia.

Question 3

How did the US try and stabilise Japan’s economy?

Answer 3

-Increased regulation of foreign exchange.
-A ‘balanced budget
-Stricter lending criteria.
-Wage controls.
-A more tax efficient system
-Price controls
-Increased regulation of trade.

Question 4

Why was US policy unsuccessful?

Answer 4

-The ‘super balanced budget’ led to increased unemployment due to businesses closing but it ensured a surplus which acted as an economic cushion.

Question 5

San Fransico Peace treaty Sept 1951

Answer 5

-Japan forced to renounce any claims to a wide range of neighbouring territories: Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), Kurile Islands etc.
-Recognising the full sovereignty of the Japanese people.

Question 6

US-Japan Security Treaty 1951

Answer 6

Gave the US:
-Unrestricted use of military bases in Japan.
-Administrative control of Okinawa.
-Right to use military force to intervene in any internal disorder in Japan.
-The right to veto Japan offering military bases to other countries.
*USSR + China refused to sign the treaty as they saw the US protecting Japan as a threat to their security.

Question 7

Japanese rearmament

Answer 7

Phase 1 1951-54:
-Japan= establish a 75000 strong National Police reserve by MacArthur, trained by a US military advisory team.
-Aug 1952- 110,000 ground troops + 7600 maritime personnel was established by Japanese govt, the National Safety Agency, NSA.
Phase 2 1954:
-Agreement between Japan + US for a 140,000 self-defence force funded by US- $240m.