Japan: the move to global war + authoritarian states

Japanese expansionism and authoritarianism between 1968-1945. For preparation of IB history P1 on the move to global war and P3 on authoritarian states.

The Meiji Restoration (1868)

Elites and middle class lead a military uprising and the Shogun is forced to step down. Was a period of rapid modernization and industrialization in Japan. This period restored the imperial rule under Emperor Meiji. This challenged unequal treaties.

The Meiji Constitution (1889)

Japan's first constitution which established a constitutional monarchy and outlined the structure of government. The constitution emphasised the role of the Emperor as the sovereign authority.

The Imperial Diet

Was the legislature established by the Meiji Constitution, consisting of the House of Peers and the House of Representatives, responsible for legislation and advising the Emperor. It was Japan’s first move towards democracy as both houses allowed petitions to be presented by all subjects.

House of Peers

The upper house of the Imperial Diet, composed of nobility and appointed members, which participated in legislative processes. The members were elected by the emperor.

House of Representatives

The lower house of the Imperial Diet, composed of elected members who represented the populace and played a significant role in the legislative process. However, elections weren’t widespread as there was limited suffrage to a small section of the population.

Imperial Government

Consisted of the minister of the navy, foreign affairs and minister of war. This established a set role of the military as advisors to the emperor within the imperial Japanese government.

Unequal treaties (1854-1874)

Western nations are granted rights to ports, trade, and extraterritoriality, undermining Japan's sovereignty and increasing the Japanese nationalist desires.

Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1868)

The Tokugawa Shogunate was a feudal regime characterised by strict social order, isolationist policies, and limited foreign interaction, while maintaining trade with select countries like China. During this period there was a sophisticated market economy however the political system crumbled.

Treaty of Kanagawa (1854)

An unequal treaty signed with the US that opened the port of Yokohama to trade and established relations, ending the isolationist period.

Westernisation

Japan began to modernise industrially to compete with the west through westernising themselves. The Japanese adopted culture, technologies, colonial and imperial ideals.

Nationalism

Along with the Meiji restoration nationalism became increasingly celebrated. Although Japan westernised, they did so in a way aiming to remain ‘distinctly Japanese’.

The treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)

This treaty ended the first Sino-Japanese war. China was obliged to recognise Korea’s independence and ceded Taiwan, the Pescadores islands, and the Lioadong peninsula (southern Manchuria) to Japan. This treaty marks the official beginning of Japanese expansionism.

Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)

Signed as a result of the Russo-Japanese war forcing Russia to cede holdings in Manchuria to Japan. Western powers later pressurise Japan to return certain areas to Russia.

Mukden Incident (1931)

Occurred on September 18th when military personnel of the Kwantung army staged an explosion. The army blamed the Chinese for the incident, using the incident as an excuse to invade and occupy Manchuria.

Militarism

The idea that Japan should maintain a strong military capability whilst using it to expand their interests.

Liberalism

A political and social ideal which promotes individual rights, civil liberties and true democracy.

Genro

Elder Japanese statesmen born during the 1830s and 1840s who served as informal advisors to the emperor during the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras.

privy council (1889-1947)

the official advisory council to the emperor in Japan under the Meiji constitution. The council was largely used to limit the power of the imperial diet.

Emperor Meiji (1867-1912)

The emperor of Japan who instigated the Meiji Restoration era. He supported the transformation of the traditional feudalist and isolationist Japan to a industrialised world power.

Emperor Taisho (1912-1926)

His period of reign was characterised by a significantly liberal shift in Japanese rule. Taisho oversaw the first democracy of Japan called the Taisho democracy.

Showa Emperor (1926-1989)

The Showa emperor was characterized by the Showa Restoration seen as a dramatic shift away from the prior Taisho democracy. He oversaw a period of nationalism, militarism, and expansionism.

Taisho Democracy (1912-1926)

A liberal and progressive trend across political, social, economic and cultural fields of Japan. It encouraged the establishment of democratic systems such the introduction of a prim minister, an increase in political parties and universal male suffrage in 1925.

World War 1 (1914-1918)

Japan played a role in World War 1 in Europe as a member of the Entente. Furthermore, they used the opportunity to expand into China and to become a political power in postwar politics.

21 Demands (1915)

Demands made by the Empire of Japan demanded China give Japan increased control over Chinese areas. It significantly increased the influence of Japan over Manchuria by granting them finance, policing, and government affairs.

Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922)

Was a conference that reached a disarmament agreement between the US, GB, Japan, France and Italy.

London Naval Treaty (1930)

The treaty for reduction and limitation of Naval armament between the British, Japanese, Italians, French and the Americans.

zaibatsu

Financial and industrial manopolies responsible for the rapid modernisation and industrialisation during the Meiji era up until the end of WWII.

The Great Depression (1930s)

Japan, dependent upon other nations for imports was impacted by the worldwide economic depression. This led to the self-sufficient mindset of the Showa restoration which advocated for a self sufficient Japanese economy.

Communism and Socialism

Became popularised during the industrial period of Japan as industrialisation created a large disaffected urban labour force interested in equitable distribution of wealth, public services and more nationalisation in production.

Peace Preservation Law (1925)

a law introduced alongside the universal male suffrage act of 1925. This criminalised the act of forming an association opposing the kokutai or ‘national essence’ which allowed the police force to more effectively suppress alleged socialists and communists.

Showa restoration

a movement promoted by Japanese author Ikki Kita in the 1930s which aimed to restore the power back in the emperor, abolishing Taisho Democracy.

Toseiha (control faction)

conservative officers who were active during the 1920s and 1930s and opposed the Kodoha’s aggressive imperialist and anti-modernisation ideals.

Kodoha

a political faction within the army largely supported by young officers active in the 1920s and 1930s. They sought to establish a military government which promoted totalitarian, militaristic and aggressive ideals.