Case Study of Militarist Japan Essay Revision PDF

U1: Case Study of Militarist Japan Revision 1 Approaching these slides Read this FIRST Always begin with the Knowledge Start y...

U1: Case Study of Militarist Japan Revision 1 Approaching these slides Read this FIRST Always begin with the Knowledge Start your content revision by Requirements (Slides 3-4) reading and understanding the because they set the scope on story. The slides are colour coded how you will be assessed. for your easy reference. Once you have completed the At the end of every short story, slides, return to Slides 3-4. Check there is a list of Explanation your overall understanding by questions. Check if you can seeing if you can answer these answer these questions. Essay Questions. Finally, DO NOT MEMORISE EXPLANATIONS! EXPLANATIONS are Question- Dependent. Your task is to answer the question that the setter has posed, not your own questions. 2 Unit 1: Case Study of Militarist Japan KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS Possible Essay Questions (from SEAB Syllabus Document) Circumstances leading to the rise and ‘It was the loss of public trust in the civilian government that led to military rule in establishment of authoritarian regime in Japan by Japan in the 1930s.’ HFDYA? May 1932: ‘The weaknesses of the Japanese civilian government were the main reason for the rise of militarism in Japan.’ HFDYA? – Weaknesses of the democratic government in Japan (long-term political problems) ‘The Japanese resented the civilian government because of its failure to resolve the social challenges faced.’ HFDYA? – Economic challenges (short-term economic problems) ‘The rise of the military in Japan was caused by economic developments in the o Inflation, unemployment, landlord-tenant disputes, country.’ HFDYA? Great Depression “Economic difficulties between 1920 and 1932 in Japan led to growing support for militarism in Japan.” HFDYA? – Appeal of ultranationalist faction (trigger / catalyst) o Military successes and political assassinations ‘Economic challenges in the 1920s led to the rise of militarism in Japan.’ HFDYA? ‘The military gained control in Japan in the 1930s due to the growth of ultranationalist groups.’ HFDYA? ‘The military took control of Japan due to the rise of ultranationalist organisations’ HFDYA? 3 Unit 1: Case Study of Militarist Japan KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS (from Possible Essay Questions SEAB Syllabus Document) Increased influence of the militarists in Japan ‘The increased control over the trade unions was the most significant impact from the 1930s of the Japanese militarist government.’ HFDYA? – Consolidation of military power in the ‘Militarist rule in Japan had negative impact on the Japanese in the 1930s.’ government (political) HFDYA? – Economic policies (economic) ‘Militarist rule changed Japan for the better.’ How FDYA? o Increased government control over industry ‘Militarist rule in Japan brought about an improvement in the lives of the and Campaign for Economic Revitalisation Japanese people.’ HFDYA? – Social policies (social) o Militarisation of education o Control of labour unions 4 ICYMI ▪ Japan started off as a military government until 1889 (promulgation of the Meiji Constitution) ▪ 1889 – 1932: Japan experimented with democracy (specifically a constitutional monarchy) ▪ 26 May 1932: Japan reverted to militarist rule after the military refused to provide a minister to the Diet 5 Why and how did the militarists come to power in Japan by 1932? (can you answer the Essay Questions on Slide 2?) 6  7 Weak Imperial Leadership Weak Imperial Leadership Emperor Yoshihito (also known as the Taishō Emperor), 1912 to 1926: contributed to a perception of ineffective imperial leadership, which in turn contributed to the instability of the civilian government and ultimately set the stage for the rise of militarism: - Poor Health: Yoshihito made very few public appearances, and when he did, he often seemed confused or disoriented. This created a perception of weakness in the imperial family, undermining the traditional image of the emperor as the strong, divine leader of Japan. - Weakening of Imperial Control Over the Military: Unlike his father, Emperor Meiji, Emperor Yoshihito had little to no involvement in military matters. His absence from governance left military leaders more autonomous, and as his reign progressed, the military increasingly operated independently of imperial oversight. This loss of imperial control over the military laid the groundwork for its later dominance in politics. - Frequent Changes in Government Leadership: During Yoshihito’s reign, Japan saw frequent changes in prime ministers, reflecting the growing instability and factionalism within the government. Between 1912 and 1926, Japan had nine different prime ministers. This political instability contributed to the weakening of civilian government, creating an environment in which the military would later step in as the dominant force. 8 Weak Imperial Leadership Emperor Hirohito: Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Emperor Hirohito tended to take a passive role in political affairs, rarely stepping in to stop the growing influence of the military. For instance, when the Kwantung Army staged the Manchurian Incident (1931) without official authorisation, Hirohito was aware of the situation but did not stop the military from proceeding with the invasion of Manchuria. This passivity allowed the military to act with daring, knowing that they were unlikely to face direct opposition from the emperor. ▪ The Mukden Incident (1931): During the Mukden Incident, Hirohito privately expressed doubts about the military’s actions and the legality of the invasion. However, when the civilian government under Prime Minister Wakatsuki Reijirō failed to control the Kwantung Army’s aggressive moves, Hirohito did not intervene. This event marked a critical moment in Japan’s shift toward militarism, and Hirohito’s inaction was a sign of weak imperial leadership. 9 Explaining how the weak imperial leadership led to the rise of militarism in Japan by 1932: - How did the health problems of Emperor Yoshihito and the lack of leadership of Emperor Hirohito contribute to the weakening of the imperial role in Japan’s governance? - How did the weak leadership of both Yoshihito and Hirohito create a power vacuum that allowed military leaders to gain greater influence over the government by the early 1930s? - How did the weak leadership of both Yoshihito and Hirohito fail to prevent the growing influence of ultranationalist and militarist factions within the military? - How did this weak leadership eventually lead to the rise of militarism by May 1932 (how will you land on this date)? 10  11 Weaknesses of the Civilian Government Weaknesses of the Civilian (Democratic) Government ▪ Constitutional Flaw: The Meiji Constitution (1890) gave the military direct access to the Emperor. Article 11 stated that the military was ‘directly under the command of the Emperor,’ which effectively placed the armed forces outside civilian control. This constitutional structure made it nearly impossible for civilian governments to counter the military’s influence, particularly in decisions related to foreign policy and national security. Also, the Cabinet could only be formed when the military supplied ministers for the army and the navy. This meant that the military had the ability to sabotage the formation of the Cabinet and the Diet. ▪ Taishō Democracy’s Failure: The period known as Taishō Democracy (1912-1926) was marked by attempts at democratic reform. However, political parties became increasingly corrupt and reliant on business elites, particularly the zaibatsu (large financial and industrial conglomerates). Civilian governments during the Taishō period frequently changed due to factionalism, and they struggled to implement consistent policies. For example, between 1924 and 1932, Japan saw the appointment of eight prime ministers, a sign of political instability. ▪ Seiyukai and Minseito Rivalry: Japan's two main political parties, the Seiyukai and Minseito, were locked in constant rivalry. Both parties were unable to deal with pressing social and economic issues, leading to the public perception that civilian leaders were self-serving and incompetent. This allowed the military to position itself as a more decisive and capable governing force. 12 Explaining how the weak civilian (democratic) government led to the rise of militarism in Japan by 1932: - How did the frequent changes in leadership within the civilian government contribute to the perception of political instability, and how did this foster the rise of militarism in Japan? - In what ways did the corruption and factionalism within Japan’s political parties weaken the effectiveness of the civilian government, creating opportunities for the military to assert greater control? - How did the influence of the zaibatsu over political parties contribute to public dissatisfaction with the civilian government, leading to increased support for militarism? - How did the civilian government’s inability to prevent or punish political assassinations and coup attempts by military and ultranationalist factions, such as the May 15 Incident (1932), signal its weakness and encourage the rise of militarism? - How did the weaknesses of the civilian (democratic) government eventually lead to the rise of militarism by May 1932 (how will you land on this date)? 13 Economic Problems 14 Economic Problems ▪ Japan’s rural economy was in crisis long before the Great Depression. Throughout the 1920s, rural areas suffered from declining agricultural prices, increased taxes, and poor harvests. The civilian government failed to provide effective relief, and poverty in rural areas worsened. The growing gap between the rich industrialists (zaibatsu) and impoverished rural farmers created widespread discontent. ▪ The Rice Riots of 1918 were an early indication of the deep economic struggles facing rural Japan. The civilian government’s inability to manage rice price inflation led to widespread protests and riots across the country. While the riots were quelled, they demonstrated the government’s failure to address rural economic grievances. 15 Economic Problems ▪ The 1927 Banking Crisis in Japan was a financial disaster where many banks went bankrupt or closed down. This happened because banks had given out too many risky loans to businesses after World War I, and when the economy slowed down, these businesses could not pay back the money they borrowed. ▪ The crisis started when a rumour spread that one of Japan’s largest banks, was in trouble. People panicked and rushed to take their money out of the banks, causing even more banks to fail. ▪ When banks failed, businesses could not get loans to keep running. Many businesses shut down, which caused unemployment to rise, and people had even less money to spend. The economy started to fall apart, and people, especially in rural areas, became very poor. The crisis also hit smaller banks the hardest. These smaller banks were the ones that farmers and small business owners relied on. When they collapsed, people in the countryside suffered even more, and poverty spread. 16 Economic Problems ▪ Although many smaller banks and businesses failed, the government moved quickly to protect the larger zaibatsu-affiliated banks. This favoritism led to public resentment toward the government, as many felt that the government prioritised the interests of the zaibatsu over the welfare of ordinary people and smaller businesses. ▪ The 1927 Banking Crisis showed the Japanese public that the civilian government was unable to handle economic problems effectively. ▪ Many people, especially those who had lost their savings or jobs, became disillusioned with democracy and began to believe that Japan needed strong, decisive leadership to fix the economy. 17 Economic Problems ▪ The 1929 Great Depression had a catastrophic effect on Japan’s economy, causing widespread unemployment, poverty, and social unrest. Japan was heavily reliant on exports, particularly silk, which was a major source of income. When the global demand for luxury goods, including silk, collapsed, Japan's economy took a severe hit. ▪ By the early 1930s, the price of Japanese silk had plummeted by nearly 50%, devastating farmers and silk producers who made up a significant portion of the population. In the countryside, where poverty was most acute, many farmers were forced to sell their daughters into prostitution, known as "selling daughters to pay for fertilizer.“ 18 Economic Problems ▪ The civilian government, especially under Prime Minister Hamaguchi Osachi (1929–1931), implemented measures, including cuts in military spending. However, these policies backfired, as they worsened the economic situation by reducing public spending and failing to stimulate economic recovery. These measures alienated both the military and the public, as the government appeared increasingly ineffective in dealing with the deepening economic crisis. 19 Economic Problems ▪ As economic conditions worsened, the military began to present itself as a solution to Japan’s economic problems. Military leaders argued that Japan’s civilian government and corrupt political parties were incapable of managing the country’s economic challenges. They promoted the idea of territorial expansion as a means of securing resources and stabilising the economy. ▪ Many Japanese, particularly in the lower classes and rural areas, began to view the military as a more reliable and decisive force capable of solving Japan’s economic and social problems. The military’s promises of economic stability, resource security, and national pride through imperial conquest resonated with a population that had lost faith in civilian democratic governance. ▪ The military argued that Japan needed to conquer other lands – especially Manchuria (part of China) – to get the resources it needed to revive the economy. This idea appealed to many Japanese people who were suffering economically and saw no real help coming from the politicians. 20 Explaining how the economic problems led to the rise of militarism in Japan by 1932: - What was the impact of Japan’s economic problems on its people? - What did the people think about the civilian government’s efforts to resolve the various economic crises? What were the feelings of the people towards the civilian government? - What did the military propose as a solution to the economic problems of Japan? - Why was the military’s proposal so attractive to the Japanese people? - How did Japan’s economic problems eventually lead to the rise of militarism by May 1932 (how will you land on this date)? 21  22 Desire to be viewed as an Equal Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal as the Western Powers ▪ First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895): Japan defeated China. As a result of the victory, Japan signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki with China, which gave Japan control over Taiwan, Port Arthur, and the Liaodong Peninsula. Japan also gained significant reparations and economic privileges in China. ▪ However, Japan’s ambitions were thwarted by the Triple Intervention, in which Russia, Germany, and France intervened to force Japan to give up its claims to the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur. The Western powers, particularly Russia, were concerned about Japan’s growing influence in Asia and acted to limit its territorial gains. Japan was forced to cede control of Port Arthur to Russia, which only heightened the sense of betrayal and humiliation. 23 Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal as the Western Powers ▪ The 1904 – 1905 Russo-Japanese War was fought over control of Manchuria and Korea, regions both nations sought to dominate. Japan’s victory over Russia was a monumental event, marking the first time an Asian power had defeated a European empire in a modern war. This victory gave Japan control over Port Arthur and parts of southern Manchuria, as well as influence over Korea. ▪ While Japan won formal control over Port Arthur, the southern half of Sakhalin Island, and control over Korea, it was deeply dissatisfied with the terms. Japan received no financial reparations from Russia, despite the enormous costs of the war, which put a strain on Japan’s economy. 24 Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal as the Western Powers ▪ During the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, Japan proposed a racial equality clause to be included in the founding documents of the League of Nations. This proposal was overwhelmingly popular among the Japanese public and seen as a way for Japan to gain formal recognition of its equal status with Western powers. ▪ However, the proposal was blocked by the United States and Britain, reflecting the racial attitudes of the time - Japan saw itself being denied the respect and equality it had fought to achieve. 25 Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal as the Western Powers ▪ Washington Naval Conference (1921–1922): Japan was forced to agree to limitation to the size of its navy to 60% of the tonnage of the U.S. and British fleets (5:5:3). This treaty was viewed as another attempt by the West to limit Japan’s power and maintain Western dominance in global military affairs. ▪ London Naval Conference (1930): Japan was limited to a 10:10:7 ratio of capital ships relative to the U.S. and Britain. This was an improvement from the earlier Washington Naval Treaty, but it was still seen as deeply unfair by many Japanese leaders. 26 Explaining how Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal as the Western Powers led to the rise of militarism in Japan by 1932: ▪ What impact did Japan’s earlier military successes (i.e. Sino-Japanese War and Russo- Japanese War) have on the Japanese mindset towards expansionism? ▪ How did the Japanese perceive the Western Powers’ actions – did they think these actions were fair to them? ▪ How did the civilian government’s perceived failures in foreign policy, such as the signing of the London Naval Treaty (1930) and other diplomatic efforts, lead to increasing resentment and contribute to the military’s growing influence in shaping Japan’s foreign relations? ▪ How did Japan’s resentment towards the Western Powers make militarism seem so attractive? What did the military propose? ▪ How did Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal eventually lead to the rise of militarism by May 1932 (how will you land on this date)? 27 Explaining how Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal as the Western Powers led to the rise of militarism in Japan by 1932: ▪ What impact did Japan’s earlier military successes (i.e. Sino-Japanese War and Russo- Japanese War) have on the Japanese mindset towards expansionism? ▪ How did the Japanese perceive the Western Powers’ actions – did they think these actions were fair to them? ▪ How did the civilian government’s perceived failures in foreign policy, such as the signing of the London Naval Treaty (1930) and other diplomatic efforts, lead to increasing resentment and contribute to the military’s growing influence in shaping Japan’s foreign relations? ▪ How did Japan’s resentment towards the Western Powers make militarism seem so attractive? What did the military propose? ▪ How did Japan’s desire to be viewed as an equal eventually lead to the rise of militarism by May 1932 (how will you land on this date)? 28 Appeal of Ultranational Faction 29 Appeal of ultranationalist faction ▪ Ultranationalist groups promoted extreme ideas about Japan’s destiny as a powerful empire and pushed for Japan to break free from Western influence, expand its territory, and establish itself as the dominant power in Asia. ▪ They also believed that Japan needed strong military leadership to achieve these goals and were often willing to use violence to get their way. ▪ Their influence grew during times of economic and political instability, as many people lost faith in Japan’s civilian government and turned to more radical ideas. 30 Appeal of ultranationalist faction Ultranationalist groups used violence to achieve their aims. They believed that the civilian government was too weak and corrupt to lead Japan, so they carried out assassinations and attacks to eliminate leaders they saw as obstacles: ▪ November 1930: Prime Minister Hamaguchi Osachi was shot and killed. ▪ February 1932: the League of Blood murdered the former Finance Minister. ▪ March 1932: The League of Blood assassinated the head of the Mitsui corporation (a zaibatsu). ▪ May 15 Incident, 1932: a group of ultranationalist naval officers from the League of Blood assassinated Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi. The assassins believed Inukai was too willing to cooperate with Western powers and was holding back Japan’s military expansion. After the assassination, many of the conspirators were treated leniently, which showed that there was growing support for their ideas within society and the military. This event marked a key moment when the civilian government lost power, and the military began to dominate Japanese politics. 31 Appeal of ultranationalist faction The military, particularly the Imperial Japanese Army, shared many of the ultranationalist groups’ goals in believing that Japan needed to expand to secure resources and power. Ultranationalist groups and military officers worked together to push Japan toward a more aggressive, militaristic foreign policy: ▪ The Kwantung Army, a powerful military group stationed in Manchuria, was heavily influenced by ultranationalist ideas. In 1931, they staged the Mukden Incident, taking control of Manchuria. The civilian government did not approve this action, but they were powerless to stop the military. The success of this invasion further emboldened militarist and ultranationalist factions, showing that aggressive military action could achieve Japan’s goals, even without government approval. 32 Appeal of ultranationalist faction The military, particularly the Imperial Japanese Army, shared many of the ultranationalist groups’ goals in believing that Japan needed to expand to secure resources and power. Ultranationalist groups and military officers worked together to push Japan toward a more aggressive, militaristic foreign policy: ▪ The Kwantung Army, a powerful military group stationed in Manchuria, was heavily influenced by ultranationalist ideas. In 1931, they staged the Mukden Incident, taking control of Manchuria. The civilian government did not approve this action, but they were powerless to stop the military. The success of this invasion further emboldened militarist and ultranationalist factions, showing that aggressive military action could achieve Japan’s goals, even without government approval. 33 The Military & Ultranationalist faction – the Trigger The Seiyukai party was prevented from forming a new Cabinet even though it had the majority share of representatives because the military refused to provide a minister. On 26 May 1932, the Emperor appointed a navy admiral as Japan’s new Prime Minister. With the majority of the Cabinet made up of military officers, Japan now came under militarist rule. 34 Explaining how the appeal of the ultranationalist faction led to the rise of militarism by 1932 ▪ Why did many Japanese people turn to ultranationalist factions as a solution to economic problems, rather than continuing to support the civilian government? ▪ How did ultranationalist factions use the promise of military expansion and territorial conquest, particularly in Manchuria, to appeal to military leaders and the public? ▪ Why was the military’s support of ultranationalist ideas crucial in the shift toward militarism in Japan by 1932? ▪ Why did ultranationalist ideas about restoring national pride and achieving imperial glory resonate with both the public and military, leading to the rise of militarism? ▪ How did the appeal of the ultranationalist faction eventually lead to the rise of militarism by May 1932 (how will you land on this date)? 35 Impact of Militarist Rule on Japan Can you answer the Essay Questions on Slide 3? 36 Between 1932 and 1934, the military took steps to consolidate (tighten its hold) on Japan: ▪ Read pp.233 – 235 (Pure) / pp.105 – 107 (E Hist) to learn about these steps ▪ By 1934, the military was in complete control of Japan. 37  Thinking about Impact of Militarist Rule Useful Categories (PEMS): - Political: involves government and its policies towards the Japanese (local people) and towards other countries (foreign policy) - Economic: involves trade and business - Military: involves armed forces, expansionism, military conflicts - Social: involves the lives of the ordinary people such as their rights, freedoms, quality of life, education 38 Impact of Militarist Rule Political Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Type of Govt Civilian government with a Military-dominated government - did militarist rule parliamentary system: change Japan for Political parties (Minseito, Prime ministers often aligned with the better or Seiyukai) held significant influence military interests worse? Elected prime ministers from Military leaders or military-aligned - what was the political parties politicians became prime ministers impact on the (e.g., Saitō Makoto, Hideki Tojo) Japanese people / society / development of Japan? 39 Impact of Militarist Rule Foreign Policy Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Foreign Focus on diplomacy, participation in Aggressive expansionism in Asia; - did militarist Policy international agreements, and withdrawal from international rule change cooperation with Western powers agreements Japan for the Japan participated in the Japan withdrew from the League of better or worse? Washington Naval Treaty (1922) and Nations in 1933 after criticism for its London Naval Treaty (1930) to limit invasion of Manchuria - what was the its navy’s size relative to the U.S. impact on the and Britain Japanese people / society / Japan's focus was on maintaining 1937: Japan invaded China development of economic stability, despite annexing 1940: Invasion of Indochina Japan? Korea in 1910 1941: Bombing of Pearl Harbor 40 Impact of Militarist Rule Economic Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Control of the Civilian government and the zaibatsu had The economy was increasingly militarised, with - did militarist economy greater control over the economy, with economic policies directed toward supporting industries growing in areas like textiles and the war effort. The Planning Board rule change manufacturing for exports (established in 1937) became an important Japan for the organ for military economic control, better or worse? coordinating resource distribution and production for war - what was the Control of raw Japan imported crucial resources like oil, The military sought to take control of impact on the materials rubber, and iron ore through peaceful trade resource-rich regions such as China (1937) Japanese people / and Southeast Asia (leading to the invasion of society / French Indochina in 1940) to ensure a steady development of supply of raw materials Japan? Economic Efforts to improve the economy were focused Campaign for Economic Revitalisation (1932): recovery on recovery from the Great Depression Launched in 1934 under Prime Minister Saitō Makoto to increase industrial output and national self-sufficiency, specifically in military industries 41 Impact of Militarist Rule Economic Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Zaibatsu Powerful, especially Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Remained powerful but began to - did militarist rule Influence Sumitomo, Yasuda collaborate more with the military. Some change Japan for zaibatsu were pressured into supporting the better or worse? imperial expansion Control of No significant direct industry control Principal Industries Control Law (1931): - what was the Industry before 1932 gave the government greater control impact on the over key industries, especially heavy Japanese people / industries, promoting cartels and society / industrial monopolies development of Japan? Cartels Formed in the 1920s, particularly among Encouraged by the government under zaibatsu, but lightly regulated militarist rule. The Principal Industries Control Law legalised the formation of cartels in critical industries (steel, chemicals) Five-Year No major state-coordinated plans Introduced in 1937 as part of the Plans wartime economic mobilisation. The first plan focused on the expansion of military 42 and heavy industries Impact of Militarist Rule Economic Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Agriculture Dominant sector pre-1932, contributing Agriculture became increasingly - did militarist rule 25-30% of GDP subordinate to industrial sectors; rural change Japan for hardship persisted due to inflation and the better or worse? resource reallocation Conditions in The countryside was in decline due to Rural conditions saw limited - what was the the rural poverty, poor harvests, and low improvement under militarist rule, but impact on the countryside rice prices. Rural protests, such as the the government attempted to address Japanese people / Rice Riots (1918), highlighted the rural issues by encouraging farmers to society / hardship utilise scientific farming methods development of Japan? Labour Labour unions gained strength, leading Labour movements were suppressed by Movements to strikes in the 1920s, such as the the military government and wartime labour movements of the Japan controls, culminating in the National Federation of Labour Mobilisation Law (1938) Economic Japan’s GDP growth was moderate, Under militarist rule, GDP growth Growth (GDP) recovering from the Great Depression increased, fueled by wartime production and expansion, peaking in the late 1930s 43 and early 1940s Impact of Militarist Rule Social Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Control of Freedom of thought and press with The government exercised tight control - did militarist rule Japanese limited state control; Taishō Democracy over thought through the Peace change Japan for Thought allowed for a diversity of ideas Preservation Law and Thought Police the better or worse? (Tokkō). Criticism of the government was suppressed - what was the Freedom of Intellectual freedom was tolerated; left- Strict censorship of media, art, and impact on the Expression wing political parties and labor unions literature through the Information Japanese people / had some influence Ministry; suppression of any dissenting society / views, particularly anti-military and development of communist ideas Japan? Education Education system was based on Western Education became highly militarised. The System models, with emphasis on liberal arts, Imperial Rescript on Education (1890) science, and modernisation was enforced more strictly to promote loyalty, obedience, and nationalism Textbooks and Western ideas such as democracy and Textbooks were revised to emphasise Curriculum liberalism were introduced in schools militarism, emperor worship, and Japan’s divine mission in Asia. Western ideas were removed from curriculum 44 Impact of Militarist Rule Social Aspect Before Militarist Rule (pre-1932) Militarist Rule (1932 onwards) Impact on Japan Role of Young women worked in cafes and Traditional roles were reasserted. - did militarist rule Women restaurants in the cities. Many young Women were mobilised for the war change Japan for women found greater independence effort as laborers but were primarily the better or worse? than before. Some also became more confined to their roles as wives and active in politics mothers, supporting the empire - what was the impact on the Japanese people / society / development of Japan? 45