Rise of Militarism in Japan | World History Series | Lecture - 16 | UPSC GS History by Aadesh Singh

Summary

The video explores the rise of militarism in Japan post-World War I, highlighting the country's shift from democracy to military dictatorship. Despite early industrial success and democratic reforms, economic hardships, political corruption, and military influence led to Japan's aggressive foreign policies. The Great Depression and unrest fueled by the military’s rising power culminated in Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931. By the mid-1930s, Japan's government was dominated by the military, setting the stage for its involvement in World War II and an aggressive expansion in Asia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan emerged as a strong power after World War I, having developed its industries and military, and was recognized as one of the world's major powers.
• 😀 Japan's military government took control in the early 1930s, marking the country's transition from a democratic system to a militaristic dictatorship.
• 😀 The democratic system introduced in Japan post-World War I faced significant challenges, including elite opposition and corruption, which undermined its stability.
• 😀 Economic struggles, including the Great Depression, caused widespread poverty in Japan, particularly affecting farmers and industrial workers.
• 😀 Japan's aggressive foreign policy started with the occupation of Manchuria in 1931, driven by economic interests and territorial expansion.
• 😀 The military’s influence in Japan grew stronger, especially after the assassination of Prime Minister Inukai in 1932, leading to military rule for the next 13 years.
• 😀 Japan adopted militaristic policies similar to those of Italy and Germany, including suppression of opposition, education control, and military buildup.
• 😀 The Japanese military's goals included expanding territorial control in Asia and securing markets for Japanese exports.
• 😀 The military’s rise to power was facilitated by economic instability, including the collapse of key industries and trade losses during the 1929 Great Depression.
• 😀 Japan’s aggression in China, particularly the 1937 invasion, was part of a larger strategy to assert dominance in Asia and create an imperialist empire.

Q & A

What were Japan's major achievements after World War I?

After World War I, Japan's position was strong. The country developed its roads and industries, introduced a democratic parliamentary system, and became a unified and centralized empire. It also occupied territories like Korea and Manchuria, which increased its regional power.

How did Japan's involvement in World War I affect its economy?

Japan's economy benefited significantly from World War I. While European countries were busy fighting, Japan provided shipping and goods to the Allies. Japanese exports, particularly cotton cloth, surged, and the country's merchant fleet doubled in size.

What role did Japan play in the 1919 peace conference?

Japan represented itself at the 1919 Versailles Peace Conference and became a member of the League of Nations. It was officially recognized as one of the 'Big Five' world powers.

What caused Japan's democratic progress to falter after World War I?

Japan's democratic progress faltered due to growing opposition from elite groups, particularly the military and conservatives. Corruption among politicians and industrialists also undermined the democratic system, leading to a weakening of parliamentary respect and influence.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on Japan?

The Great Depression severely impacted Japan's economy, causing a sharp decline in exports, particularly raw silk, which was a major trade product. This led to increased unemployment, poverty, and social unrest, particularly among farmers and industrial workers.

How did Japan's military come to power during the 1930s?

Japan's military came to power when it gained significant control over the government in the early 1930s. This shift was solidified after the assassination of Prime Minister Inukai in 1932 by army officers, after which the military had full control over Japan's political affairs.

What happened in Manchuria in 1931, and why was it significant?

In 1931, Japan's army invaded Manchuria, a valuable region in China, to protect its economic interests there. The invasion was conducted without government approval and marked a significant step in Japan's militarization and expansionist policies.

What political changes followed the assassination of Prime Minister Inukai?

After Prime Minister Inukai's assassination in 1932, the military's influence in Japan became more dominant. His successor supported the military's actions, and for the next 13 years, the army controlled Japan's political system.

How did the rise of militarism in Japan compare to Italy and Germany?

Japan adopted similar methods to Italy and Germany in its rise to militarism, such as suppressing communists, controlling education, and building up its military. The country also became more aggressive in its foreign policies, particularly towards expansion in Asia.

What was Japan's goal in adopting an aggressive foreign policy in the 1930s?

Japan's aggressive foreign policy in the 1930s aimed to capture territories in Asia, particularly to create markets for its growing exports. This expansionist policy led to Japan's attack on China in 1937 and its participation in World War II.