Interwar Japan

Introduction to Interwar Japan

  • In previous lectures, it was established that disruptions and unrest after WWI altered politics in various European nations.

  • This lecture focuses on Japan during the interwar period, highlighting parallels with Europe due to shared reasons.

Japan's Objectives Post-WWI

  • Japan sought to keep pace with Western powers while facing fears of the Soviet Union.

  • The rise of the military's political power influenced Japan's approach to colonization in Asia, notably China.

Key Events and Treaties

  • Nine Power Treaty (1922):
      - Aimed to maintain China's status quo.
      - Complemented by the Shangtong Treaty, which reassured China of its territorial integrity.

  • Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928):
      - Japan signed this agreement with Western countries, intending to abandon war as a policy tool.
      - Failed to prevent the Manchurian Incident (1931) and subsequent conflict with China.

  • Anti-Comintern Pact (1936-1937):
      - Japan allied with Germany initially and Italy later against the Soviet Union.

  • Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945):
      - Marked the beginning of prolonged conflict in Japan-China relations.

Japan's Modernization and Political Changes

  • Post-Meiji Restoration (1868), Japan experienced:
      - Rapid industrialization and modernization of the economy.
      - Centralization of government and establishment of public education.
      - Evolution of citizenship and public participation in society.

  • Early political structure:
      - Originally, a weak executive system with diminishing power of the elected House of Representatives, which maintained budget approval responsibilities.
      - Military rearmament initiated during the Meiji era reshaped Japanese societal norms and national identity.

Global Standing and International Relations

  • Japan gained global respect through industrialization and participation in international movements (e.g., Olympic Games from 1912).

  • Political instability followed the end of WWI, leading to upheaval in multiple monarchies globally, stoking fears of similar upheaval in Japan.

Changes in Political Landscape in Asia

  • Japan perceived potential instability in China post-imperial rule (1912).

  • There was a power struggle within China, creating opportunities for Japan to expand influence in Manchuria.

Nine Power Treaty Details

  • Signed by major powers: U.S., U.K., Japan, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Portugal, and China.

  • Treaty aimed to protect territorial integrity of China amid internal strife.

  • Notably, U.S.S.R. was absent, possibly viewed as a threat to Chinese integrity.

  • The treaty lacked enforcement mechanisms, only allowing for consultations amongst signatories.

The Shangtong Treaty

  • Japan and China signed a treaty returning administration of Shangtong province and its railway to China.

  • Japan promised troop withdrawal from regions in Siberia, seeking to assure Chinese territorial integrity.

Political Instability in Japan during the 1920s

  • Political assassinations led to the deaths of sitting prime ministers and destabilized governance.

  • Economic turmoil led to rice riots amid inflation and a banking crisis in 1927.

  • Yokohama Earthquake (1923):
      - Caused significant loss of life and jobs, compounding political and economic woes.

Military and Political Actions leading to Manchuria

  • Japanese military involvement in China escalated due to the power vacuums created by local conflicts.

  • Manchurian Incident (1931):
      - Triggered by a staged explosion near the South Manchurian Railway, which justified military aggression against local Chinese forces.

Aftermath and Puppet State of Manchukuo

  • Formation of Manchukuo as a Japanese puppet state under former Chinese Emperor Puyi.

  • International backlash occurred, especially from the U.S. (Stimson Doctrine) and the League of Nations.

International Diplomatic Responses

  • The Litten Commission report blamed both Japan and China for the Manchurian conflict.

  • Japan withdrew from the League of Nations in response to international condemnation.

Continuation of Military Aggression

  • Throughout the late 1930s, Japan increasingly aligned with Germany against USSR threats, forming the Anti-Comintern Pact.

  • Military coup attempts indicated rising military influence in politics, despite eventual failures.

Outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War

  • The bridge skirmish in 1937 led to full-scale war between Japan and China.

  • Japan viewed itself as ethnically superior, committing atrocities during the conflict, which continued for eight years.

Implications of Conflict

  • Japan's invasion of China began well before the outbreak of WWII in Europe.

  • European powers preoccupied with their own conflicts caused an increase in Japanese aggressions in Asia.