CHaotr 3 - hwat contributed to the opposition towards the civillian government

Many officers came from families of poor rural farming communities / new urban middle class. Felt that political parties and Zaibatsu were corrupt and self-seeking. Believed that the civilian government does not respect the military due to cuts in military budgets

Discontent from the military

At the earlier Washington Naval Conference, Japan signed an unequal treaty with Britain, France and the United States. Japan could build fewer warships compared to the Western powers. Met again at the London Naval Conference to review the treaty. Western powers rejected Japan's demands to build more warships. Japan forced to back-down and sign the London Naval Treaty. Seen by the Japanese people as a betrayal by the government

London Naval conference (1930)

Manchuria was seen as a viable solution to Japan's lack of natural resources (rich in iron and coal) Japan launched an operation to secure the territory Kwantung Army was formed to protect Japan's assets in Manchuria. Assassination of Zhang Zuolin: Zhang Zuolin was a warlord in Manchuria who built friendly relations with the Japanese forces in Manchuria; lately, several Japanese assets in Manchuria were attacked. Kwantung Army assassinated Zhang to replace him with a new and more cooperative leader. Japanese Emperor criticized the Kwantung Army's actions and demanded the Prime Minister discipline them. Prime Minister is unable to do so as he has no real authority over the military. Shows the failure of the Emperor to control the military and that the military could defy the civilian government. Mukden Incident: Sep 1931, Kwantung Army blew up railway tracks at Mukden and blamed the Chinese government. Used it as an excuse to take over Manchuria. Renamed Manchuria as Manchuko Military in Japan supported the Kwantung Army's actions. Kwantung Army was also supported by the Japanese public they saw it as a solution to Japan's economic problems. The Prime Minister and the civilian government

actions in machuria

idk

Actions of ultranationalistic groups