rise & Impact of militarist rule in Japan Flashcards
what are the 3 main points?
political developments
economic challenges
social changes
what are the 3 main points of political developments
First sino-japanese war 1894-1895
Russo-Japanese war 1904-1905
London Naval conference, 1930
what is the LINK for political development
Democratic government was seen as weak on the international front, while the military was seen as strong and powerful fur to their successes in conflicts with foreign powers.
elaborate on the first sino-japanese war, 1894-1895
China, conquered Taiwan, gained influence over Korea and sized Liaodong Peninsula
elaborate on the Russo-Japanese war, 1904-1905
This was the 1st time an Asian power defeated an European power
Greatly enhanced the prestige of the Japense Army and Navy
Made them confident in their military powers and ‘Devine destiny’
Annexed Korea as a result
elaborate on the London Naval Conference, 1930
Japan signed a treaty to limit the total number of warships built in a ratio with the Western Powers of 3:5
Japan wanted more but was rejected and had to back down, as not strong enough to confront the Western powers.
Signing of the London Naval treaty was seen as a betrayal by the civilian government
What are the 3 main points on Economic challenges?
Japan prospered during WW1 (1914-1918)
1923 Great Kanto Earthquake
1927 Banking Crisis
elaborate on “Japan prospered during WW1 (1914-1918)
As the Western powers were fighting and Japan supplied them with items such as a cotton.
Problems started with the end of WW1, as demand for goods dropped and thus companies dismissed thousands of workers.
elaborate on “1923 Great Kanto Earthquake”
Massive loss of lives and devastation To Tokyo, exacerbating economic hardships
Those living in the countryside did not benefit much from the rapid industrialisation
Technological innovations for farming were slow to spread and productivity remained low, despite rapid growth
Many farmers were tenant farmers - meaning they had to pay their landlord and had barely enough for themselves.
elaborate on “1927 Banking Crisis”
Collapse of 20 banks caused by panic withdrawals. Led to people losing their money and shaking confidence in the Government and the financial stability of the country. Government took 2 years to stabilize this.
what is the LINK for “economic challenges”
The government inability to solve the economic issues and take decisive actions led people to believe the democratic government was weak and inefficient.
what are the 2 main points for “social changes”?
Rural-Urban Divide
Changing role of women
elaborate on “Rural-Urban Divide”
Government supported the wealthy big cooperations (zaibatsus), leading to widespread economic inequality.
Rural land mostly owned by landlords who did not work but lived luxurious lifestyles.
This generated growing resentment among the poor, leading to unrest such as the rice riots of 1918.
elaborate on “changing role of women”
Women were able to find jobs in cafes and restaurants, or wokedd in factories.
This led to greater independence for women and some became more active in politics.
This was seen as a threat to traditionalist groups and values.
what is the LINK for “social changes”?
Japanese society was going through rapid change and instability, and the people looked to an icon of stability and tradition - which the military provided.
5 main points to the rise of military INFLUENCE
Military discontent
Political Assassinations
May 15 incident, 1932
26 May 1932
Mukden Incident
elaborate on “Military discontent”
Growing feelings among military officers that the politicians and zaibatsus were corrupt and self-seeking
Many felt angered as the economic problems led to a cut in military budget in the 1920-30s
elaborate on “Political Assassinations”
Rise in Assassinations of government leaders.
Nov 1930, right wing fanatic shot the PM.
in Feb 1942,the Finance Minister Murdered.
Next month, head of Mitsui corporation was assassinated
elaborate on “May 15 incident,1932”
A group of nabal officers, called the League of blood, assassinated the Then PM. An attempted coup detat to overthrow the civilian government, but the people did not rise up to support them
elaborate on “26 May 1932”
Emperor appointed an admiral as PM. His cabinet had 10 military officers out of 15. This signal led the beginning of Militarist rule in Japan.
elaborate on “Mukden Incident, 1931”
The military grew more ambitious and wanted to colonize Manchuria to gain access to resources and settle Japanese farmers.
The kwantung Army blew up the railway and blamed the chiense government.
Military leaders in Japan supported the invasion and the civilian government could not control the military’s actions.
I cation extremely popular with the Japanese public a they felt it could help solve the economic problems.
state the 3 main points on “Impact of militastist rule in Japan”
Political impact
Economic impact
Social impact
what are the 2 main points on “Political Impact”
increased military Influence
emergence of control faction within the government
elaborate on “Increased military Influence”
Military officers could join the colvil service, foreign affairs handed over to the military.
Success in Manchuria gave the military credit and touted as a source of national pride.
Military Government conducted a ‘elecoral purification’ ostensibly to root out corruption but meant to remove individuals whose views were against the military, such as socialism and communism.
In Oct 1941, Tojo Hideki, an Army General, became PM, resulting in complete control of the government by the military.
elaborate on “Emergence of control faction within the government”
Even within the military, there were 2 factions.
On Feb 26, young officers from imperial way faction attempted a coup, as part of the Showa Restoration.
However, the coup failed and they were arrested and executed.
This led to the rise of the control faction.
what is the LINK for political impact
The army solidified control over all branches of government and ensured a united AND stable, albeit totalitarian state.
what are the 4 main points on “Economic impact”?
Japan’s Industrialisation
Control Of Industry
Improving the countryside
Control of labor unions
elaborate on “Japan’s Industrialisation”
Shifted focus to preparing for war.
Developing consumer industries were reoriented to heavy industries and chemical production.
This led to surge in production of arms and roads, railways and bridges.
Set up new Zaibatsu, such as Nissan, Nitchitsu, and Mori.
Focused on self-sufficiency.
elaborate on “control of industry”
Government excersises control over the Zaibatsu.
Made the Principal industries Control Law in 1931,to reduce competition and to regulate production and prices.
Cartels were set up in heavy industries which allowed the military to exert indirect or even direct control. (electricity)
elaborate on “improving the countryside”
The great depression had decimated farming and farmers.
Government increased public works to open new jobs to help pay off debts.
Campaign of Economic Revitalisation Launched to encourage Cooperation and using better farming methods.
Conditoons improved marginally as government still focused on industrialisation.
elaborate on “Control of labor Unions”
Initially supported formation of labor unions.
However, this changed by 1o46 and forced the dissolution of unions.
Unions were perceieved as possible dangerous areas of organising opposition.
elaborate on “Control of labor Unions”
Initially supported formation of labor unions.
However, this changed by 1o46 and forced the dissolution of unions.
Unions were perceieved as possible dangerous areas of organising opposition.
what is the LINK for “Economic impact”
The military government prioritised economic development that focused on the production of war materials. This benefited the zaibatsus, but the overall welfare of ordinary citizens is questionable.
what is the LINK for “Economic impact”
The military government prioritised economic development that focused on the production of war materials. This benefited the zaibatsus, but the overall welfare of ordinary citizens is questionable.
What are the 2 main points of “social impact”
Control of Japanese thought
Control of education
elaborate on “Control of Japanese thought”
Promoted traditional values such as loyal Emperor, Hard work and selflessness.
Workers were to treat companies like families. Conflict was discouraged and councils were set up for discussions.
Publication Monitoring Department censored ideas that did not conform to the governments beliefs.
Individuals caught promoting contrarain ideas were silenced, dismissed, or imprisoned.
elaborate on “Control of education”
Stressed shinto beliefs, Loyalty to the Emperor, and community over individual.
Curriculum sought to instill a sense of Patrioism in Young students centered on the militarist, ultranationlist ideals.
Contained large amounts of physical excersize, military style drills and technical lessons geared towards war.
what is the LINK for social impact
The military controlled education to provide the military with a steady stream of fanatiaclly loyal soldiers. Students were Indoctrinated from young and were regularly monitored.
