C3: Case Study of Militarist Japan (2261 ELECTIVE HISTORY)

CHAPTER 3: RISE OF MILITARISM IN JAPAN Reasons for the Rise of Militarism in Japan How did this lead to militarism by 1932? > UNDERLYING / LONG-TERM - Flaws in Japanese democracy - Resentment of the West - Imperialism to solve economic problems — HOW: - Ensured that the military presence remained in the government. - The Japanese wanted to stand up to the Western Powers, and they were more likely to use military means to prove they were equals. > SHORT-TERM - Weak imperial leadership - Economic crises (Banking Crisis and Great Depression) - Resentment with politicians - Powerful monopolies in the zaibatsu - Worsening income inequality — HOW: - Emperor was unable to check the influence of the military - Economic crisis damaged the credibility of the civilian politicians - The Japanese began to support the militarists who proposed annexation of foreign lands to solve Japan’s economic problems. > TRIGGER - Emboldened military (Zhang Zuolin, Mukden, League of Blood) - Rise of ultranationalism —- HOW: - The militarists were emboldened to resort to violent methods because they were gaining a lot of support from the Japanese people. - They got rid of the democratic politicians who stood in their way, allowing them to finally come to power by 1932.

LORE JAPAN FROM 1600S - The islands that constitute modern Japan are ruled by the shogunate (1185 to 1868). - The shogun is a military leader, who borrows the legitimacy (the right) of the emperor to rule. - There is no national identity of Japan at this stage (no concept of Japan as a nation). Political identity surrounds the feudal lord. - Japanese society is a rigid social hierarchy determined at birth. - Compared to previous shogun rule, the Tokugawa period is relatively peaceful. - One way it accomplishes this is by a policy of isolationism = no interaction with foreign countries. - However, this peace comes at a price as the peasants suffer due to limited land, resources and trade opportunities. - Despite their high standing in society, samurai are also restless as, they are not able to contribute. AMERICAN ARRIVAL (1854) - American Commodore Matthew Perry arrives in Tokyo Bay to demand Japan trades with the West. - The shogunate leaders agree. Why did they do so? UNEQUAL TREATIES (1858) - The result is known as the Unequal Treaties Regime in place from 1858. - The shogunate cannot set its own trade tariffs (tax on traded goods), foreigners do not have to obey local law (a concept called extraterritoriality). - The country is not seen as an equal member of internation