The impact of the First World War and the post-war conferences on japan (political, economic, international relations)

Overall thesis

The First World War and the subsequent post-war conferences had a profound impact on Japan, leading to significant political instability, economic challenges, and a shift in international relations that ultimately contributed to its aggressive expansion in the following decades.

Political Impact: point

The aftermath of the First World War saw Japan experience a period of political upheaval, as the country's participation in the war and its role in the post-war conferences highlighted the limitations of its democratic reforms, leading to increased militarization and authoritarianism. This can be explored through the lens of the Peace Preservation Law and the assassination of Prime Minister Hara, which underscored the instability and the growing influence of the military in politics.

Political Impact: evidence

1. Japan's Military Expansion: Japan emerged from World War I as a significant regional military power, having seized German colonial possessions in East Asia and the Pacific, which marked a major expansion of its territorial influence.

1. The Twenty-One Demands: In 1915, Japan issued the Twenty-One Demands to China, aiming to consolidate its control over Chinese territory and resources. This move was met with resistance from other Allied powers, highlighting Japan's aggressive expansionism.

2. The Siberian Intervention: Japan's involvement in the Siberian Intervention against the Bolsheviks was unsuccessful, leading to diplomatic isolation and a shift in its foreign policy approach towards international cooperation.

3. The Rise of Nationalism: The post-war period saw a surge in nationalist sentiment in Japan, fueled by the perceived injustices at the Paris Peace Conference and the rise of Pan-Asianism, which advocated for Japan's leadership in Asia.

4. The Peace Preservation Law: The Peace Preservation Law of 1925 was enacted to suppress political dissent and radical ideologies, reflecting the growing authoritarianism within Japan's political landscape

Economic and International Relations Impact: point

Economically and internationally, Japan faced significant challenges following the First World War, as the global economic downturn and the protectionist policies of Western nations severely impacted its trade, particularly in silk exports to the United States. Furthermore, the post-war conferences, such as the Washington Naval Conference, while initially beneficial, ultimately contributed to Japan's sense of isolation and injustice, fostering a nationalist sentiment that would drive its aggressive expansion in the 1930s.

Economic and International Relations Impact: evidence

• Economic Boom: Japan experienced an economic boom during World War I due to increased demand for its goods and the acquisition of German territories, which provided new resources and markets but that couldn’t be the same for other nations

• Washington Naval Conference: The Washington Naval Conference of 1921-22 imposed a naval ratio of 5:5:3 on the United States, Britain, and Japan, respectively, which was seen as a limitation on Japan's naval expansion and contributed to its sense of injustice

• The Open Door Policy: Japan was pressured to accept the Open Door Policy in China, which limited its ability to exert exclusive control over Chinese markets and resources, further fueling its expansionist ambition

• Global Economic Shifts: The post-war period saw a rise in protectionism globally, including the U.S. and Europe, which affected Japan's exports. The U.S., in particular, began to impose tariffs and other trade barriers, impacting Japan's silk exports, which were a major component of its trade

• Long-term Effects: The protectionist environment of the interwar period set the stage for Japan's aggressive expansion in the 1930s. Faced with economic isolation and limited access to resources, Japan turned to military expansion to secure markets and resources, leading to further conflict