Notes on Japan Between the Wars: Growth of Militarism

Japan Between the Wars: Growth of Militarism

Transition of Government (1919-1939)
  • Shift from a western-style constitutional monarchy to fascism.
  • Influenced by global forces:
    • Reaction to the Russian Revolution
    • The Great Depression
    • Treaty of Versailles.
20th Century Political Developments
  • Post-Meiji Restoration (1868): Japan began to adopt Western systems.
    • Military reforms replaced the samurai system, making military service compulsory.
    • By 1890, Japan possessed a formidable army and navy.
Key Military Engagements
  • Sino-Japanese War (1894-95): Expansion of Japanese territory.
  • Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905): Demonstrated Japan's military might.
  • Annexation of Korea (1910): Highlighted Japan's imperial ambitions.
Taisho Period (1912-1926)
  • Brief democratic shift during the 1920s, but military leaders gained influence during the 1930s.
  • Emperor Taisho: His position was ambiguous under the Meiji constitution, which contributed to political instability.
World War I Impact
  • Japan aligned with the Allies, expanding influence in Asia.
  • Seized German territories in China and the Pacific, boosting its status as a global power.
Post-WWI Developments
  • Japan emerged as a military and industrial power post-Versailles Treaty.
  • Gained territory under a mandate and seats in international organizations (e.g., League of Nations).
  • Anti-Japanese sentiments grew in China due to territorial agreements.
Economic Factors and Rise of Zaibatsu
  • Zaibatsu: Powerful family enterprises controlling significant sectors of the economy.
  • Led to economic disparities and challenges for industrial workers.
Political Instability and Ultra-Nationalism
  • A surge in ultra-nationalism post-WWI, promoting aggressive domestic and foreign policies.
  • Anti-socialist movements intensified, leading to governmental repression.
Military Governance and Descent into Fascism
  • The military increasingly influenced government, leading to direct action against leftist movements.
  • The assassination of key politicians marked the growing despotism.
Japanese Expansionism (1930s)
  • Invasion of Manchuria (1931) prompted the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo.
  • Japan withdrew from the League of Nations after international condemnation of its actions.
Sino-Japanese War Expansion (1937)
  • August 1937: Full-scale invasion of China began, rationalized by claims of "protecting" it from chaos.
  • The atrocities in Nanjing (1937) where extensive brutalities were committed against civilians.
Fascist Ideology in Japan
  • Core beliefs:
    1. Hyper-nationalism and state superiority.
    2. Subordination of individual rights to the state.
    3. Preference for dictatorial governance, rejecting democracy.
    4. Militaristic values emphasizing the glory of war.
Concluding Themes
  • The rise of fascism in Japan can be traced back to various facets:
    • Ideological nationalism (Kokutai)
    • Growth of military power
    • Government responses being marked by assassination
    • Notable expansionist policies.
    • Leaving the League of Nations reaffirmed militaristic pursuits in Asia.