Kaisar Hirohito & Kudeta Militer | Sejarah Singkat Jepang Eps. 3

Summary

This video explores Japan's post-WWI struggles, focusing on the economic downturn and political instability that plagued the country. Despite gaining territories from Germany, Japan faced severe pressures from Western powers, leading to internal division within its military and government. Emperor Hirohito's reign began amid crises, including corruption, economic hardship, and failed reform efforts. Ultranationalist movements grew, attempting coups and reforms to restore the emperor’s purity and remove corrupt officials. These movements eventually contributed to the rise of Japanese fascism and imperialism, setting the stage for Japan’s aggressive actions leading up to WWII.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan's economic and industrial development suffered after World War I, despite the acquisition of German territories.
• 😀 The London Naval Treaty of 1922, which limited naval armament production, divided Japan's military into two opposing factions: one supporting the treaty and the other rejecting it.
• 😀 Japan faced severe economic hardship following the 1923 earthquake, with rising unemployment, poverty, and corruption within its political class.
• 😀 Hirohito, who became Emperor of Japan in 1926, was expected to revive the nation's economy and address domestic challenges.
• 😀 Early in Hirohito's reign, his policies were heavily influenced by corrupt officials who believed they could control the new emperor.
• 😀 A group of military officers and intellectuals, led by Kitai, advocated for reform by removing corrupt officials and restoring Japan’s imperial sanctity through a coup.
• 😀 The ultra-nationalist group, known as the Kodoha, gained support for their plans to restore Japan's imperial purity and expand its influence.
• 😀 The group used propaganda to spread their anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist ideas, targeting both the public and military.
• 😀 Despite numerous failed assassination attempts and coups in the late 1920s and early 1930s, the ultra-nationalists continued their efforts to overthrow the government.
• 😀 In February 1936, a major military coup led by the Kodoha faction was crushed after intervention by Emperor Hirohito, who ordered the military to suppress the rebellion, resulting in executions and imprisonment of key figures.
• 😀 The failure of the ultra-nationalist movement did not erase their ideology, which later influenced Japan's militaristic expansion and the rise of fascism, especially under General Hideki Tojo during World War II.

Q & A

What major event happened after World War I that significantly impacted Japan's economy and political situation?

After World War I, Japan gained control of former German colonies, which should have brought economic benefits. However, Japan faced increasing pressure from Western powers, leading to economic struggles, political unrest, and a growing crisis within the country.

Who was Emperor Hirohito, and what role did he play during Japan's crisis in the early 20th century?

Emperor Hirohito, born in 1901, became the 124th Emperor of Japan in 1926. Despite being seen as a symbol of hope for Japan's future, his reign was marked by economic and political turmoil, and he faced multiple attempts at military coups and political reform movements.

What was the impact of the London Naval Treaty on Japan's military and political landscape?

The London Naval Treaty of 1921-1922 aimed to limit naval armament, which divided Japan's military into two factions: one supporting the treaty to avoid conflict with the West and another strongly opposing it, believing it weakened Japan's ability to defend itself and expand its imperial influence.

How did the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake contribute to Japan's economic crisis?

The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Japan, destroying industrial areas and leading the country to incur large debts. The disaster further deepened Japan's economic troubles, contributing to rising unemployment, poverty, and hunger.

What were the primary internal issues Japan faced under Emperor Hirohito's reign?

Under Emperor Hirohito's reign, Japan grappled with widespread corruption among officials, political instability, economic decline, and social unrest, as the population struggled with poverty, unemployment, and hunger.

What was the significance of the movement led by Kita Ikki in Japan's political history?

Kita Ikki, an anti-capitalist and nationalist thinker, advocated for Japan's reform through militarization, the nationalization of foreign-owned companies, and the restoration of imperial power. His ideas contributed to the rise of ultra-nationalist groups and were integral to Japan's political radicalization.

How did the ultra-nationalist movement impact Japan’s government during the 1930s?

The ultra-nationalist movement, driven by figures like Kita Ikki and supported by military officers, called for the overthrow of corrupt officials and the establishment of a totalitarian government. This movement led to several assassination attempts on key government figures and culminated in military coups.

What was the February 26 Incident, and how did Emperor Hirohito respond to it?

The February 26 Incident of 1936 was a military coup attempt by the Kodoha faction of the Japanese army, which sought to replace corrupt officials. Emperor Hirohito, initially passive, became enraged by the coup and ordered the military to suppress the rebels, leading to the eventual arrest and execution of many involved.

How did the ultra-nationalist ideology influence Japan's military and imperial ambitions?

The ultra-nationalist ideology, with its focus on restoring imperial glory and national power, laid the foundation for Japan's expansionist policies. This ideology eventually contributed to Japan’s military aggressions in Asia, culminating in World War II.

What was the long-term effect of the ultra-nationalist movement on Japan's political structure?

Despite the failure of the ultra-nationalist movement’s coups and assassination attempts, its ideology persisted, fueling the rise of fascism in Japan and contributing to the militaristic policies that led to Japan's involvement in World War II.