Economic Impact of the Great Depression on Japan

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Questions and Answers

What economic impact did the Great Depression have on farmers' incomes between 1929 and 1931?

Farmers' incomes fell by an average of 43%.

What actions did tenant farmers take in response to landowners evicting them due to unpaid rent?

Tenant farmers organized into unions, held protest meetings, and took landowners to court.

How did small business owners react to the economic struggles during the Great Depression?

Small business owners joined protest movements led by the Imperial Middle Class Federated Alliance.

What was the unemployment rate in Japan between 1930 and 1932, and how many lost their jobs?

15-20% of Japan's workforce lost their jobs. Signup and view all the answers

What was the local reaction to unemployment during the Great Depression in Japan?

Locals protested violently against elite employers. Signup and view all the answers

How did the government view the potential threat of communism during the Great Depression?

The government feared the threat of communism due to its proximity to the USSR. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic was most attracted to the messages of communist agitators during the Great Depression?

Workers were attracted to the messages by communist agitators. Signup and view all the answers

What structural weakness is cited as a reason for the failure of Japan's democracy?

The main reason cited is the structural weaknesses within Japan's democratic system. Signup and view all the answers

What was the public perception of the civilian government during the crisis?

Many believed it was corrupt and prioritizing the wealthy elites over the needs of the poor. Signup and view all the answers

How did the military's perception of civilian government change over time?

The military grew increasingly discontent, feeling disrespected and neglected due to budget cuts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the London Naval Conference for Japan?

Japan received an unfavorable naval ratio compared to the USA and Britain, causing discontent. Signup and view all the answers

What were the consequences of the naval ratio established at the London Naval Conference?

The civilian government faced backlash after reducing naval forces, angering military leaders. Signup and view all the answers

How did the civilian government's actions towards military budget cuts affect their relationship with the military?

The cuts led to a loss of respect and trust from the military towards the civilian leaders. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the zaibatsu influence the perception of the government?

Many believed the government favored the zaibatsu, worsening trust issues among the public. Signup and view all the answers

What did the increase in military prominence indicate about the civilian government's capabilities?

It suggested that the military was gaining popularity due to perceived effectiveness in addressing national issues. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the rising distrust in the government contribute to military influence in Japan?

As public trust in civilian leaders dwindled, the military's victories made it a more appealing alternative. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the military play in the political challenges faced by Japan?

The military had disproportionate influence over the Cabinet, making it difficult for the Prime Minister to act if military ministers disagreed. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Emperor's strength significant for the functioning of Japan's government?

The Emperor needed to be strong to ensure cooperation between military and civilian politicians, thereby maintaining stability in governance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of party rivalries within the Diet on the Prime Minister's authority?

Party rivalries often led to a lack of support for the Prime Minister, complicating the passage of policies and decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways could the military refuse to cooperate with the Cabinet?

The military could decline involvement in the Cabinet or withdraw if there was disagreement with the Prime Minister's policies. Signup and view all the answers

Why was a strong Emperor necessary for maintaining balance among government factions?

A strong Emperor served as a central figure who could mediate power struggles between the military and political sectors. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the Genro in Japan's political system.

The Genro were elder statesmen who played a crucial advisory role, guiding the Emperor and influencing political decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did the sickly leadership of Emperor Taisho pose?

Emperor Taisho's health issues limited his ability to govern effectively and control the military and governmental disputes. Signup and view all the answers

How did the structure of the Diet contribute to Japan's political challenges?

The Diet's composition of various political parties led to conflicts and hindered collaborative governance. Signup and view all the answers

What was Japan's naval ratio compared to the USA and Britain after the 1922 Washington Naval Conference?

Japan's naval ratio was 3 compared to America's and Britain's 5 each. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Japanese military feel let down by the civilian government after the 1922 conference?

The military perceived the reduction of Japan's naval strength as unfair and biased, motivating them to seek a stronger position. Signup and view all the answers

What were the terms Japan had to accept in the London Naval Treaty of 1930?

Japan had to accept a naval ratio of 7, compared to 10 for both America and Britain. Signup and view all the answers

How did Navy commanders in Japan react to the newly agreed ratio for warship tonnage in 1930?

Navy commanders did not consider the new ratio an improvement and viewed it as inadequate. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Japan's signing of the London Naval Treaty have on public perception of the government?

The signing was seen as a form of weakness, leading to a loss of trust in the government among the populace. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Manchuria considered economically important to Japan?

Manchuria was rich in natural resources, providing essential materials for Japan's economy. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did the Japanese Cabinet take against ministers who opposed the terms of the London Naval Treaty?

The Cabinet removed those ministers from their positions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Japanese press portray the signing of the London Naval Treaty?

The Japanese press presented the agreement as a betrayal by the civilian government. Signup and view all the answers

How did the militarist government's approach to labor unions change by 1936?

By 1936, the militarist government no longer favored labor unions and forced many workers to withdraw from them. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of the militarist government's control over labor unions?

It removed workers' ability to express discontent or advocate for changes, leaving them with little choice but to accept employer rules. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Great Depression impact Japanese farmers?

The Great Depression severely affected Japanese farmers, causing many to fall into debt and struggle to meet basic needs. Signup and view all the answers

What measures did the Japanese government implement to assist farmers during the Great Depression?

The government increased public works projects in rural areas to create jobs and help farmers pay off their debts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Campaign for Economic Revitalisation launched by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1932?

It was a government initiative aimed at revitalizing the economy, particularly in the countryside, by supporting farmers. Signup and view all the answers

What shift occurred in decision-making power in Japan as the militarist government took control?

The militarist government centralized decision-making power, diminishing the influence of labor unions and public discourse. Signup and view all the answers

Did the militarist government's actions benefit Japanese society, and how?

The actions did not significantly benefit Japanese society as they suppressed workers' rights and prioritized military interests over social welfare. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the militarist government's policies affect the daily lives of Japanese citizens?

Their policies restricted individual freedoms, impacting citizens' ability to advocate for their needs and improve their economic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How did the establishment of a special police force influence dissenting thoughts in Japan?

It silenced dissenting voices and imprisoned individuals who promoted non-conformist ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Kempeitai play in the control of Japanese thought?

The Kempeitai was responsible for enforcing censorship and imprisoning those with dissenting views. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Japan's education system emphasize national pride?

It stressed loyalty to the Emperor, community-oriented values, and instilled a sense of patriotism in students. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the document 'Fundamentals of Our National Policy' published in 1937?

It was intended to guide educators in instilling Japanese traditional ethics and patriotism in students. Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1937 education reforms prepare Japanese youths for war?

They included military-style drilling and physical exercises aimed at creating a disciplined population. Signup and view all the answers

What ideological dangers did the 1937 document warn against?

It warned against the evils of individualism and the importation of foreign cultural influences. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of curriculum, what was a central focus of Japan's educational changes during this period?

The curriculum emphasized Japanese identity and culture as the core of nationalistic education. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the government's control of education have on university students?

University students were coerced to align their thoughts with government ideologies, leading to censorship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Japan before 1912

Tokugawa Shogunate held power in the hands of the military government (Shogunate).
Led by the Shogun, the military leader of Japan.
Emperor was a figurehead.
Japan was an agrarian society, where most economic activity revolved around crop cultivation.
Japan was isolated from the rest of the world.

Meiji Period, 1868-1912

By 1868, the Shogun lost power, and Emperor Meiji took control of the government.
An era of modernization, with significant political, economic, and social changes.
Meiji Restoration ended feudal rule under the Tokugawa Shogunate and established imperial rule.
Meiji Emperor sought to modernize Japan. This included strengthening military and economic power.

Economic Modernization

Aim: To catch up with the West economically.
Japan did not want a repeat of its encounter with the US in 1850 where the US threatened to use force to demand trade agreements
Did not want to suffer the same fate as China, who was forced to open treaty ports to foreign trade.
Sent academics and officials to Western nations to learn about their governments, economies, and armed forces.
Strengthened Japan with a military, through modernizing its economy
Principle of Fukoku Kyohei—"Enrich the Country, Strengthen the Army.”
Industrialization adopted Western technology to increase production(i.e. banking systems and railroads).
Powerful and large corporations (zaibatsu) were established.
Engaged in foreign trade and exported their goods globally.

Political Changes

Japan became a constitutional monarchy in 1889.
Emperor had to rule according to a set of laws.
Shared power with a government consisting of the Genro, democratically elected civilian politicians in the Diet, and the military.
Military had the power to veto decisions made by the Cabinet.
Who held power in Japan from the 1890s-1920s?

Cities grew rapidly with a population increase from 600,000 in 1873 to 2 million in 1913.
Traditional values from countryside contrasted with modern values from the urban areas.
Samurai (elite class) were replaced by the new national army and navy (conscripts).
Introduced western-style curriculum in schools to support industrialization and emphasizes loyalty to the emperor and the state.

Challenges for Japan, 1912-1932

End of Meiji era, start of Taisho era (1912-1926).
New emperor, Yoshihito (Taisho), was less capable of governing.
Political challenges facing Japan:
- Military could oppose or make it difficult for the Prime Minister and Cabinet to act.
- Emperor had to be strong for government parts to act together.
- The Diet was composed of different political parties and the possibility of them not working together.
Increased political tension between civilian government and military leaders.
Economic challenges:
- Periods of boom and recession (1914-1918, 1923, 1927, 1929).
- The Great Kanto Earthquake, a major earthquake, led to loss of life, widespread destruction and a need to pay for repairs.
- The Wall Street Crash(1929) and consequent Great Depression profoundly impacted the Japanese economy.
- Demand for Japanese exports(e.g. silk) fell dramatically, causing economic hardship.
Social tensions increased, which was a mix of rural-urban divisions, changing role of women, and the fear of communism's rising influence.
The banking crisis of 1927 led to economic and political turmoil.

Japan's Interest and Invasion of Manchuria 1931

Manchuria was a rich area with strategically important natural resources(e.g. iron and coal)
Wanted a growing market to export Japanese products.
Japan saw Manchuria as a buffer zone against Russia, and a way to defend its interests in Korea.

Growing Opposition to the Civilian Government

Ultranationalist and anti-democratic groups emerged in Japan seeking to replace the civilian government.
The Showa Restoration Faction's goal was to remove aspects of democratic governance.
Assassinations increased, of important government leaders and Zaibatsu individuals, leading to intimidation of civilian politicians.
May 15 Incident (1932): A series of assassinations in an attempted to overthrow Japan's government.

Japan Under Militarist Rule

By 1934, the military held significant power in the government.
The military held key government positions.
Military successes increased public support for the military in the 1930s.

Impact of Banking Crisis of 1927 (and Great Depression 1929-1931)

Widespread panic and economic crisis in 1927 for Japan's banks as people tried to withdraw money.
Widespread suffering for common people because they lost their savings after the collapse of 20 banks.
Japanese government tried to stabilize banks with new policies.
The Wall Street Crash 1929 exacerbated the crisis.
Led to distrust of civilian government

Economic Impact - Changes to Japan's Economy

Japan's industrialisation in the 1930s saw an emphasis on expanding the empire and preparing for war.
Resources from conquered territories (like Korea and Manchuria) were exploited to stimulate economic growth.
The government controlled industries (like zaibatsu) to manage resources and strengthen the economy.
Actions did, and likely did not, enable the military to take more control, and what influence did this have on the lives of the Japanese people?

Government controlled public perception through promoting loyalty, controlling education, and managing workers to increase productivity.
The government aimed to control media for their nationalistic and militarist agenda.
Introduced programs and actions to strengthen their national consciousness, such as campaigns, propaganda, education, and censorship.

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Description

This quiz explores the economic and social consequences of the Great Depression in Japan, focusing on farmers' incomes, unemployment rates, and governmental responses. It also highlights tenants' struggles and the appeal of communism during this tumultuous period.