Militarism is the belief of a government that a country should maintain a strong
military capability and be prepared to use it to defend or promote national
interests.
Post WW1 Japan
Nota:
- Hara Takashi appointed as PM
- Economic boom ended - overseas demand for Japanese goods collapsed- prices fell, unemployment rose (enhanced by Great Depression of 1929)
- Common belief that government should be more democratic, reduce the role of genro, right to vote, push for trade unions - growth in support for communism- labour strikes and protests in 1923
- Rise in right-wing ultranationalistic - pro-empire, pro-expansion, pro-military
1920s
Washington Naval
Conference - Nov
1921- Feb 1922
Nota:
-Four power pacific treaty
(Britain, Japan,USA, France to maintain the status quo in the Far East by mutually respecting each others rights in the Pacific)
-Five Power Naval Treaty
(fixed ratio of warships, Japan receiving less than Britain and USA)
-Nine Power Pact
(Respect China's neutrality and not take advantage of the weak government and all nations were to have equal trading rights)
1924- Stop
Japanese
migration to US
1927 - Shidehara Policy
Nota:
- China and Japan to cooperate economically
- Japan to respect China's independence and not interfere
-Japan would be sympathetic to China
The Military
Nota:
-Many officers and men resented the government for not expanding Japan
-Disappointment that Government reduced military spending
-Resented loss of power and prestige and opportunity for promotion
-Feelings of betrayal
-Sakurakai (Cherry blossom society)- aim to overthrow govt. and establish military cabinet - 50 members by 1931
Army gains greater control
Nota:
-Japanese govt. forced to adopt a more aggressive foreign policy towards China
-China in civil war, becoming weaker and more divided
-Chiang Kai-Shek (Chinese communist leader) moving North towards Manchuria
- Japanese govt. concerned Shek would win against the Manchurian Warlord (Chang)
-Govt aims - DIFFUSE CONFLICT
-However, army defies govt. and assassinates Manchurian Warlord
Japan's interests in Manchuria
Nota:
-Japan already controlled Port Arthur since 1905
-Japan had rights to railway and minerals in south
-Rich in coal, iron, timber, soya beans
-More territory for growing Japanese population
-Still in China's control
Manchurian Incident
Nota:
18th September 1931
- Japan train/railway was blown up near Mukden
-Japanese officers claimed this was an attack by Chinese
-Acted swiftly- forced Chinese troops out & also claimed territory further North
-Japanese govt. were humiliated by army's illegal actions - no further expansion
-By 1932 - whole of Manchuria was in Japanese control
- US argued Japan had broken terms of Nine Power Pact (1922)
- 'Manchukuo'- new name of puppet state - League of Nations didn't recognise control by Japanese there
-Lytton report issued by lytton commission/league of nations stating this in 1932 (nov 25)
Emergence of Military Factions
Nota:
Imperial Way - direct focus into Manchukuo, no further expansion
Control faction - expansionist, wanted to invade China (stop communism and gain territory)
Imperial Naval Forces - pro-expansion in Pacific 'Japanese lake'
1936 - Coup & New PM/National Policies
Nota:
- Junior officers of Imperial Way staged a coup
-Included 1400 army officers
- Occupied Imperial Palace and demanded a new cabinet headed by a suitable leader
- Shot members of cabinet
-Emperor Hirohito outraged, denounced the rebels
-Declared martial law in Tokyo
- Rebel officers - committed suicide or sentenced to death
- End of Imperial Way
- Control faction gained power with Hirota Koki becoming Prime Minister - 9th March 1936 (very pro-military)
-Creates the document 'The Fundamental Principles of National Policy' in August 1936 - states national objectives, the consolidation of Japan's empire in
East Asia and a Japanese advancement into the South Pacific.
25th Nov 1936- Anti-comintern pact
Nota:
Japanese signed with Nazi Germany aimed to prevent the spread of international communism
-Italy joined in 1937