COntemp Japan People

Chiang Kaishek

Leader of Chinese Nationalist party

opposed to fighting the Japanese in 1920 and 1930

wanted to exterminate communists

forced to unite with communist China in 1936 (war with Japan followed quickly after)

General MacArthur

Commander and chief of the US in the Far East

After the war became the supreme commander for the allied powers

In charge of the allied occupation of Japan

Dismissed by president Truman in 1951 due to conflict about Korea

Konoe

Prince who served as prime minister with 3 different cabinets between June 1937 to October 1941

Lead Japan into war with China in 1937

Resigned the premiership in 1941 rather than lead Japan against US

Committed suicide in Dec 1945

Tojo

Graduated military academy

supported Japan’s aggressive policy toward China

member of Tosei Faction

Believed war with US was inevitable

served as Prime Minister of Japan during World War II after serving as war minister for Konoe,

oversaw Japan's military operations.

Forced out of office in July 1944

Zhang Xueliang

The young Marshal

son of Manchurian war lord Zhang Zuolin

Joined Chiang Kaisheks forces after his father was assassinated by Japan

Participated in the kidnapping of Chiang Kaishek to force him into uniting with the communists against Japan

Yamamoto Isoroku

Admiral and chief architect of the pearl harbor and midway attacks

was a highly respected military leader and strategist

killed by US in 1943

After his death Japan struggled with planning and morale

Kita Ikki

Leading philosopher of the ultra nationalist movement

Wrote a book about the organic unity of people and the emperor

Wanted a violent coup and the restoration of imperial rule

His ideas played a big role in the February 26 1936 incident and was later executed for his involvement

Ishiwara Kanji

Lieutenant-Colonel in Kwantung army during the manchurian incident

Played major role in carrying out the Manchurian incident resulting in Japan’s control over Manchuria