Japanese Expansion: The Impact of Nationalism and Militarism on Foreign Policy

Japanese Expansion: Chapter 1.1

The Impact of Japanese Nationalism and Militarism on Foreign Policy

By: Chloe, Hannah, Joseph, Grady

Introduction

  • Analysis of the rise of Japanese nationalism and militarism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Examination of how these movements influenced Japan's foreign policy and expansionist efforts.

Historical Context

  • Period of the Shogunate to Meiji Restoration
    • Up until 1868: Japan was under the Tokugawa Shogunate, with the emperor holding power in theory but not in practice.
    • The Tokugawa Clan dominated since 1608; the head of this clan was known as the shogun.
    • The daimyo (feudal lords) ruled over various territories, supported by samurai warriors, who adhered to the moral code known as Bushido.

Factors Leading to Nationalist and Militarist Policies

  • Western Influence Post-1800s: Japan faced aggressive policy-making urges due to pressure from Western powers.
    • The shogunate abandoned traditional military governance and elevated the authority of the emperor.
    • There was a transformation aimed at modernizing Japan and establishing it as a first-class power equal to Western nations.
    • Necessity of a prosperous economy to fund a strong military and promote nationalism.

Key Historical Events

  • Sino-Japanese War (1894): Marked the beginning of Japan's imperial ambitions.
  • Russo-Japanese War (1904-5): Further solidified Japan's status as a military power.
    • Treaty alliance with Britain in 1902 and participation in WWI starting August 1914.

Breakdown of the Traditional Feudal System

  • Challenges: Population growth led to resource demands, increased merchant wealth, samurai debts, and power struggles within the Satsuma and Choshu clans.
  • Commodore Matthew Perry and the arrival of his "4 Black Ships" in 1853 served as a catalyst for change, exposing Japan to Western military power and trade.
    • Perry’s mission culminated in an ultimatum for Japan to establish open trade relations, which failed initially due to language barriers and shogunate decision-making.
  • Treaty of 1858: Forced upon Japan after armed engagements, it granted trading rights to the United States.

Emergence of Nationalism and Militarism

  • Transformation in the 1860s: Japan sought to equalize itself with Western powers leading to industrialization and modernization efforts.
    • Abolishment of the shogunate and the rise of a military government.
    • Formation of factions supporting or opposing the transformation from the shogunate to imperial power.
  • Meiji Restoration (1868): Marked by the end of shogunate rule and a civil war that led to Emperor Meiji's control, shifting the allegiance of military forces from feudal lords to the emperor.
    • National ideology revolved around Shinto beliefs associating the emperor with divine legitimacy.

Social and Educational Changes

  • Reforms in Education: Japan focused on bolstering military strength by enhancing literacy and instilling loyalty in its citizens.
    • Introduction of the elementary school system aimed to educate the populace to prepare them for military service, with attendance initially low due to non-free education.

Transformation in Military Structure

  • Shift from samurai loyalty to the feudal system towards a centralized loyalty to the emperor.
  • Conscription System: Implemented mandatory military service for Japanese men, encompassing three years of active service and four in reserves, fostering a sense of unity and national identity.
  • The Rescript for Soldiers and Sailors (1882) emphasized the role of military personnel in upholding the imperial authority without political dissent.

First Stages of Imperialism

  • First Sino-Japanese War (1894): Following earlier Western treaties, Japan entered the war to assert control over Korea, ultimately defeating China.
  • Treaty of Shimonoseki: Resulted in recognition of Korea's independence and ceding territories such as Formosa and the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan.

Russo-Japanese War

  • Escalating tensions with Russia over interest in Manchuria and Korea.
    • Russia's expansion through the Trans-Siberian Railway and takeover of the Liaodong Peninsula exacerbated tensions, leading Japan to ally with Britain.
  • Declaration of War (February 1904): Japan attacked the Russian Pacific Fleet, engaging in a conflict that would conclude in October 1905.
    • The conflict included significant naval victories, notably the sinking of the Russian Baltic Fleet at Tsushima Straits.

Aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War

  • Not seen as a minor conflict as expected by Tsar Nicholas II; rather, it positioned Japan as a key player in the Far East.
  • Treaty of Portsmouth: Negotiated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, confirming Japan's control over South Sakhalin and strategic interests in Korea.

The Taisho Era and World War I

  • Meiji Era end (1911) with the death of Emperor Meiji; succession by Emperor Taisho (Yoshihito).
  • Political expressions became limited, suppressing emerging socialist ideas and movements for women's rights.
  • Japan declared war on Germany as per the Anglo-Japanese Alliance during World War I, seizing German territories in China and the Pacific.

The Twenty-One Demands

  • A set of requests from Japan to China post-WWI, including the transfer of German interests and increased policing roles in Manchuria.
  • Some demands were met, notably in Shandong, heightening nationalism within China and stirring American suspicions towards Japan's intentions.

Aftermath of World War I

  • Paris Peace Conference: Led to disillusionment in Japan regarding its role and status post-war.
    • Confirmed the dissolution of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.
    • Imposed restrictions on Japan, resulting in a battleship ratio limiting its naval strength relative to the U.S. and Britain (5:5:3 ratio).
    • Introduction of the Nine-Power Treaty, replacing prior treaties with China with an Open Door policy framework.