Rise of Militarism in Japan

Rise of Militarism in Japan (1932-1940)

• Extremists carried out assassinations to advocate military rule in 1932, during the League of Blood Incident.
• Military officers assassinated Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi during the May 15 Incident.
• Young officers attempted a coup in 1936, increasing military influence after the February 26 Incident.
• Political parties were abolished in 1940, strengthening the military's power.
• The government increased the military budget to exceed 50% of national spending by 1940.
• A new conservative government believed that military power was essential for Japan's national goals.

Economic Problems (1929-1932)

• The Great Depression reduced global trade in 1929.
• American and British protectionism (trade restrictions) contributed to the recession.
• Falling prices of goods hurt Japan’s economy.
• The Japanese currency dropped in value to JPY100 = USD 20 by 1932.
• Prices of agricultural products fell by 40% between 1929 and 1931.
• Textile prices fell by 50%.
• Many Japanese citizens became poor, especially in Tohoku, due to food shortages.

Economic Recovery and Expansion (1932 Onward)

• The Japanese economy began recovering in 1932.
• There was a policy focus on protecting Japan’s economy.
• Expansion occurred to secure raw materials such as petroleum and iron.
• A strong economy enabled Japan to build a powerful army.

Japan's Expansion into Korea and China (1910-1937)

• Korea was important for Japan’s economy, trade, and agriculture.
• Japan took full control over Korea in 1910, without its emperor’s approval.
• Approximately 670,000 Korean forced laborers were brought to Japan from 1939-1945.
• Korea was strategically important, as Japan feared China and Russia might take it over.
• Japan wanted raw materials from China.
• Japan feared China as a security threat.
• In 1931, the Mukden Incident involved Japan using an explosion as an excuse to invade Manchuria and establish the puppet state of Manchukuo.
• On July 8, 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident involved Japan attacking the bridge, leading to war with China.
• Japan and China signed an agreement for Japan to withdraw on July 11, 1937, but the agreement failed.
• Full-scale war began with the Battle of Shanghai on August 13, 1937.
• In the Nanjing Massacre in December 1937, Japanese forces killed numerous Chinese civilians and soldiers.

Weakness of the League of Nations (1931-1933)

• Other countries boycotted Japanese products in 1931, in reaction to Japan’s conquest of Manchuria.
• The Lytton Report, in October 1931, called for Japan to return Manchuria to China.
• Japan refused to retreat and left the League of Nations on May 27, 1933.
• No action was taken against colonizing nations, such as Italy colonizing Ethiopia in the 1930s.
• Internal divisions weakened decision-making.
• Some member countries withdrew from the League.
• The USA refused to join, limiting the League’s power.

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (1940s)

• The concept involved Japan uniting East and Southeast Asian nations.
• Japan wanted to create an economic and military bloc free from Western control.

US Responses to Japanese Expansion (1940-1941)

• The US opposed Japan’s occupation of China and Indochina.
• The Treaty of Commerce and Navigation was revoked.
• Military aid was provided to China.
• Other nations were encouraged to resist Japan.
• President Roosevelt banned oil exports to Japan in 1941.
• Japan offered to withdraw from southern Indochina if the US lifted sanctions on November 20, 1941.
• Japan demanded that the US, Britain, and Holland stop aiding China.
• The US refused, demanding Japan leave China completely.
• Japan refused to withdraw from China or free Manchuria.
• These events led to rising tensions, pushing Japan and the US closer to war in the Pacific.