Japanese Militarism - Blood on the Railway - Extra History - Part 3

Summary

This historical narrative delves into the complex factionalism within Japan's military and political spheres during the early 20th century. It details the assassination of Chinese warlord Chang Tso-lin, orchestrated by Japanese military officers, and the subsequent impact on Japan's domestic and international standing. The script explores the ideological rifts between the Imperial Way and Control factions, their disdain for civilian government, and the escalation of militaristic actions leading to the invasion of Manchuria. It also touches on the economic hardships faced by Japan, the radicalization of its population, and the political assassinations that further destabilized the nation, setting the stage for a military coup.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script narrates a historical account of the assassination of Chinese warlord Zhang Zuolin in 1928, orchestrated by Japanese military officers.
• 🏰 It discusses the complex factionalism within the Japanese military during the early 20th century, particularly the differences between the Imperial Way Faction and the Control Faction.
• 🌏 The script highlights the Japanese military's interest in territorial expansion, with the navy favoring expansion southward and the army focusing on Manchuria for strategic and resource reasons.
• 💥 The assassination of Zhang Zuolin was part of a plot by junior officers to either install a more compliant warlord or provoke a Japanese invasion of Manchuria.
• 🔍 The script describes the consequences of the failed plot, including the tarnishing of Japan's international image and internal political repercussions within the Japanese government.
• 🌾 The Great Depression had a severe impact on Japan's economy, leading to radicalization among the population and increased support for the military as an institution.
• 🗳️ The political party in power, the Minseitō, suffered due to worsening financial policies and perceived failures in foreign policy, which further fueled radical sentiments.
• 🚫 The signing of the London Naval Treaty of 1930 was seen as a betrayal by the navy and contributed to the growing discontent with the civilian government.
• 🔧 The script mentions the historical context of political violence being excused in Japan if the motives were considered patriotic, leading to a culture of impunity for certain actions.
• 🎆 The 'Cherry Blossom Society' and other groups attempted coups and instigations of martial law, indicating a growing trend of military intervention in politics.
• 🛤️ The 'Mukden Incident' of 1931 is depicted as a fabricated event used to justify Japanese military aggression and the start of a new war, illustrating the manipulation of events for political ends.

Q & A

What significant event occurred on June 4th, 1928, involving a train in Manchuria?

On June 4th, 1928, a train carrying Chinese warlord Zhang Zuolin was bombed. This resulted in the death of two of his generals and left Zhang mortally wounded, an act orchestrated by a faction within the Japanese army.

Who were the two main factions within the Japanese military during the period discussed in the script?

The two main factions within the Japanese military were the Imperial Way Faction, which advocated for the restoration of the emperor as the sole political power, and the Control Faction, which aimed to work within the current system but also supported military expansion into Manchuria and China.

What was the primary goal of the Japanese navy's territorial expansion plans?

The primary goal of the Japanese navy's territorial expansion plans was to expand south into China and Southeast Asia to counter a possible naval war with the United States.

What was the Japanese army's strategy for territorial expansion, as opposed to the navy's?

The Japanese army believed in dominating Manchuria to create a buffer against the Soviet Union and a unified China, and to allow Japan to directly extract natural resources.

What was the South Manchuria Railway's significance to Japan after the Russo-Japanese War?

The South Manchuria Railway, acquired by Japan after the Russo-Japanese War, provided Japan access to the raw materials it needed from China and Mongolia, and the corridor around the railway was heavily developed by the zaibatsu for Japanese interests.

What was the intended outcome of the assassination of Zhang Zuolin by the junior officers of the Japanese army?

The assassination was intended to either install a more competent warlord or provoke a full Japanese invasion to take direct control of Manchuria.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on Japan's economy?

The Great Depression caused a dramatic fall in prices for agricultural and textile exports, particularly silks, which were vital for Japan's economy. This led to oversupply problems and widespread starvation in the countryside.

What political party was in power in Japan during the period of the script, and what was its stance on military budgets?

The Minseitō party was in power during this period and was known for cutting military budgets, which further radicalized the population and increased support for the military.

What was the significance of the London Naval Treaty of 1930 for the Japanese navy?

The London Naval Treaty of 1930 was seen by the Japanese navy as undermining Japan's maritime defense and usurping the emperor's power as commander-in-chief.

What was the 'Cherry Blossom Society' and what was their failed attempt in March 1931?

The Cherry Blossom Society was a group of junior officers who attempted to spark riots to instigate martial law and pave the way for a coup in March 1931, but their plan was poorly organized and failed.

What event marked the beginning of a new war in September 1931, and how was it orchestrated?

The Mukden Incident on September 18, 1931, marked the beginning of a new war. It was orchestrated by a group of Japanese officers who planned a rail bombing to attract Chinese troops and then invade in retaliation.