Japanese Militarism and Imperialism:
Many causes of Japanese imperialism are unhappiness over loss of traditions, loss of their foreign markets due to the Great Depression, unemployment, poverty with peasants, feelings of nationalism, and a demand for expansion of the Japanese empire. The effects of the rise of militarist in Japan were many. These include the 1930 attack on a Chinese province of Manchuria, withdrawal from the League of Nations, anti-western feelings, end of many democratic freedoms, renewed practice of traditions, increased honor for emperor, and renewed expansion efforts to control China. Economic growth and growth in military is what led Japan to sign a treaty with Britain and the United States to reduce the size of the Japanese navy and for Japan to reduce military spending. Tensions between the Government and military rose, military officers blasted government officials for corruption which involved payoffs by powerful business leaders called zaibatsu. Western influences are what pushed away the Japanese’s values for obedience and respect. Also in the 1930’s militarist supported foreign conquest which led to the killing of business leaders who opposed military expansion. Military leaders planned to overthrow the government. The government survived but in 1937 Japan’s government was forced to accept military domination. Imperialist powers were shown through the capturing of the Chinese province of Manchuria for expansion for needed raw materials and also zaibatsu had strong influences in politics leading them to eventually push for policies involving international trade. Militarism and imperialism took place greatly in Japan
Picture of Japanese soldiers between 1919 and 1939.
marching through a gate way
in Southern Manchuria near
Shengyang city.
Picture of Japanese soldiers between 1919 and 1939.
marching through a gate way
in Southern Manchuria near
Shengyang city.
Review Questions:
1. What economic problems led to the rise of militerism in Japan?
2. How did the Great Depression effect Japan?
1. What economic problems led to the rise of militerism in Japan?
2. How did the Great Depression effect Japan?