Japanese Expansionism PDF

Japanese nationalism and militarism on foreign policy Paper 1 - Prescribed Subject 3: The move to global war JAPANESE Expansionism Events (dates, causes, effects, links, what happened) First Sino-Japanese war 1894-5 Japan won Causes – 1. Japan’s interference in Korean affairs...

Japanese nationalism and militarism on foreign policy Paper 1 - Prescribed Subject 3: The move to global war JAPANESE Expansionism Events (dates, causes, effects, links, what happened) First Sino-Japanese war 1894-5 Japan won Causes – 1. Japan’s interference in Korean affairs 2. Assassinations, Japan assassinated the Empress Myeongseong in 1895. 3. Bans on Japanese imports in China 4. Japan’s takeover of Korea 1894, eventually caused the Qing Dynasty to declare war. Results – 1. The Treaty of Shimonoseki, which was altered immediately after to accommodate Russia’s, Germany’s and France’s desires. /the unaltered version a. Granted Korea full independence from China b. Gave Taiwan and Liaodong Peninsula to Japan c. Required China to pay a large indemnity to Japan, approximately 13,600 tons of silver d. Allowed Japanese ships to operate ships on the Yangtze River, and to have factories in four Chinese ports that would now be open to Japanese imports. 2. Tripartite intervention, the altered treaty a. Russia took control of the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur b. Germany took control of part of the Shantung Peninsula c. Taiwan was left to Japan 3. 1895 a five month war with Taiwan, which had declared itself the Republic of Formosa, Japan won. Russo-Japanese war 1904 - 5 Japan won Causes – 1. The humiliation after the First Sino-Japanese war, the tripartite intervention. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance 1902 allowed for the Russo-Japanese war to occur by stating that, Japan and Britain would aid each other militarily if either was at war with two or more countries. If either country was at war with only one other state, then the other would remain neutral. The alliance guaranteed that Japan would only have to deal with Russia in the case of war. (not a direct cause but certainly linked) 2. Russia’s pressure put on Korea to grant mining and forestry rights, provoking Japan  3. After the Boxer rebellion Russian troops failed to withdraw despite the promises. Both Britain and Japan felt that their interests in China and Korea were threatened by the 200.000 Russian troops stationed in Manchuria. 4. Crippling political crisis in Russia, there were calls for a constitution and governing reforms, all opposed by the Tsar. Tsar Nicholas II hoped that an outpouring of nationalism at Russia’s eventual victory over Japan would reinforce his popularity and rule. Results – 1. Treaty of Portsmouth 1905, negotiated by the USA, the treaty required; a. Required both Russia and Japan to remove troops from Manchuria and restore it to China’s control b. allowed Japan to lease the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur from China c. granted Japan the right to lease the Russian-built Southern Manchurian Railway from China d. granted Japan the southern half of Sakhalin Island. However, Japan believed that it should have received; ○ an indemnity from Russia to pay for the war ○ all of Sakhalin Island ○ outright control of Port Arthur, the Liaodong Peninsula and parts of Manchuria, instead of having to lease them from China. 2. Japan acquired international respect and authority. 3. USA agreed for Japan to control Korea, in return USA took full dominance of the Philippines. WWI 1914 - 1918 Causes – 1. A rise in nationalism 2. Economic and colonial rivalries between the most powerful nations in Europe, accompanied with arms races, secret diplomacy. By 1914 two major alliances have formed. Triple Alliance (Imperial Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy) Triple Entante (Britain, France, Tsarist Russia) By 1914 a clash of interest and the rise of nationalism in the Balkas resulted in the assassintion of the heir to Austro-Hungarian throne, launching the war between rival alliances. Results – 1. Widespread physical destruction 2. Political effects, a. The fall of the four empires, The Austro-Hungarian Empire, The Ottoman Empire, The Russian Empire (1917 the bolshevik revolution) and the German Empire  (revolution inspired by the bolsheviks, leading to the abdication of the German kaiser and emergence of the democratic government). b. The emergence of nationalist groups demanding right to form independent countries. 3. Economic consequences, a. Massive debt, lost trade to countries, such as USA and Japan. b. Great Depression c. Huge agricultural areas of Europe destroyed, alongside railways, roads and bridges. Paris Peace Conference 1919 Causes – 1. End of WWI , leading to a need for a peace settlement 2. Growing demand for self determination and addressing territorial disputes Results – 1. League of Nations was formed, Japan was a founding member 2. Signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh reparations for Germany and Austria, Hungary and others 3. Redrawn borders, emergence of new states, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Poland. 4. Harsh terms on Germany, including disarmament and reparations, which contributed to economic instability and political unrest, later leading to World War II. 5. Mandates system established, placing former Ottoman and German colonies under the control of Allied powers (e.g., Syria to France, Palestine to Britain). The First United Front in China 1924 – 1927 Causes – 1. the same goal of ending warlordism and unifying China Results – 1. The nationalist movement was strengthened and the warlords weakened. a. KMT-CCP forces launched the Northern Expedition (26-28) to defeat warlords and unify China b. Expedition brought much of central and Northern China under KMT control 2. CCP influence and membership expanded a. CCP membership grew from around 300 in 22 to over 30 000 by 27 b. CCP increased present withing the KMT 3. A conflict between CCP and KMT began, culminating the Chinese Civil War. Economic Depression in Japan Starts – early 1930s Causes - 1. The Great Depression started in 1929 in the USA, spreading, leading to economic turmoil. Trade barriers raised to protect domestic markets. Leading to Japan, a country reliant on exports, losing USA, its greatest trading partner. Results- 1. Unemployment and hunger led to social distress.  2. Economic hardship fueled political unrest, leading to strikes, riots and a surge of popularity of communist groups. 3. The rise of militarism in Japan, as the military’s expansionist policies were seen as a solution, a way of obtaining new markets. Four/Five/Nine Power Treaty at The Washington Conference 1921-2 Causes – 1. USA had no desire to continue building or maintaining expensive ships to defend its trade and possessions in the Pacific Results – 1. The Five-Power Treaty, a. Naval limitations for USA, UK, Japan, France, Italy b. Ratio of ships, for every five capital ships that Britain and USA were allowed Japan could have three c. No new fortifications, prohibition of new military fortification in the Pacific d. 10 year halt on building battleships 2. The Four-Power Treaty a. Ended the Anglo-Japanese alliance b. Required Britain, the USA, Britain and France to respect each others territories. 3. the Nine-Power Treaty a. Required Japan to remove its military from Shantung Peninsula b. called on all nations to respect China’s independence and borders. London Naval Conference, 1930 Causes – 1. Review of earlier naval agreements, as countries, experiencing the financial stress from the Great Depression wished to prevent another arms race in the form of ships. Results – 1. Five Power Treaty; naval limitations continued 2. Adjusted ratios, Japan was allowed a larger fraction 3. Japan experienced inner conflicts, a. The navy objected and threatened to bring down the government b. Japan’s prime minister shot by an ultranationalist (the pm died) Japan removes troops from Siberia 1922 Causes - 1. 70 000 soldiers sent to halt the progress of the Red Army in the the Russian Civil War. Suspicious of Japanese designs, under intense pressure from the US and UK Japan forced to withdraw troops Results– 1. Japan stooped intervening in the Russian Civil War  2. Japan shifted its focus to Asia USA’s anti-Japanese Immigration Policy 1924 US Congress passed bill to limit Japanese immigration −→ Angered Japan, fuelled anti-foreign feelings The Showa financial crisis 1927 Causes– 1. begins as a run on banks that occurs after the government tried to redeem earthquake bonds. Results– 1. 37 banks throughout Japan dissolved, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Wakatsuki Reijirō of the Minseitō Party 2. General Tanaka Giichi of the Seiyukai Party replaces the former prime minister.. Tanaka was significant for implementing an increasingly assertive foreign policy towards China and clamping down on democratic freedoms at home. The Showa Period 1926–1945 – the rise of militarism in Japan, Japanese aggression in China and elsewhere in East and Southeast Asia, and the country's wartime defeat. The Great Depression 1929 Causes – 1. The Wall Street Crash Results– 1. Global economic crisis, worldwide trade, investment collapsed, leading to mass unemployment, political instability. 2. Rise of authoritarianism, as Japan sought recourses through aggressive territorial expansion. Japan occupies Mukden and other places in Manchukuo 1932-45 Japan establishes a puppet state in Manchukuo War between Japan and China begins 1894 1. Despite numerical advantage, Chinese military was not as well trained −→ Victory for Japan 2. Germany, France & Russia intervene so Japan gets less favourable terms −→ humiliation 3. Korea independent, Taiwan ceded to Japan and China to pay indemnity The League sends a commission to investigate the Japanese/Chinese conflict, 1931-32 Causes – Following the Mukden Incident and Japan's occupation of Manchuria, China appealed to the League of Nations for intervention. Results– – The Lytton Commission was sent to investigate the situation, leading to the Lytton Report, which condemned Japan's actions in Manchuria. Japan creates the Independent state of Mandchuko (under Japanese protection) 1932 march Causes– After seizing control of Manchuria, Japan sought to legitimise it by creating a puppet state, installing Puyi, the last emperor of China, as the nominal ruler. Results– The international community refused to recognise Manchukuo as a legitimate state, contributing to Japan’s isolation. Lytton Report on the conflict between China and Japan, October 1932 Causes– The League of Nations' Lytton Commission was tasked with investigating Japan's occupation of Manchuria. Results– The report condemned Japan's actions and recommended that Manchuria be returned to Chinese control. Japan rejected the findings, which led to its withdrawal from the League. Japan leaves the League of Nation, March 1933 Causes– Japan refused to accept the Lytton Report and the League's recommendations to withdraw from Manchuria. Results– Japan’s exit from the League of Nations marked a move toward international isolation and an aggressive, unilateral foreign policy. Second United Front in China December 1936 – 1945 Causes The growing threat of Japanese aggression in China led to a temporary alliance between the Chinese Nationalist Party and the Chinese Communist Party, suspending their civil war. Results The united Chinese resistance to Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which slowed Japan's advance. Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact September 1937 Causes– The increasing Japanese aggression in China prompted China to seek security assurances from the Soviet Union. Results– The Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact helped China by providing Soviet aid and support during the Second Sino-Japanese War, without direct Soviet intervention. Japan ends acceptance of the Washington and London Naval Treaties 1936 Causes- Japan perceived the naval treaties (which limited naval armaments) as discriminatory, as they imposed stricter limits on Japanese naval expansion compared to the United States and Great Britain. Japan's desire to expand its empire in Asia and the Pacific, particularly following its earlier successes in Manchuria, motivated its need for a stronger navy. Results- This withdrawal heightened tensions between Japan and Western powers, contributing to the deterioration of international relations leading up to World War II. Anticomintern Pact between Germany and Japan, November 1936 Causes– Japan and Nazi Germany, both opposed to communism, sought a strategic alliance against the Soviet Union and the Communist International (Comintern). Results– The Anti-Comintern Pact strengthened ties between Japan and Germany, later joined by Italy, laying the foundation for the Axis Powers in World War II. Attempted military coup in Japan February 1936 Causes – Radical nationalist military officers, frustrated by Japan's civilian government and slow response to their expansionist aims, attempted to overthrow the government. Results – The February 26 Incident failed, but it demonstrated the growing influence of the military in Japanese politics and contributed to the militarization of the government. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident 1937 Causes– a Japanese soldier went missing during a patrol and the Japanese Army demanded to search the Chinese section. Results– The Chinese refused and both sides opened fire. Prince Konoye tried to contain the army, but unsuccessfully. Despite government’s disagreements, reinforcements were sent to China from Korea, and this led to full scale war with China Second Sino-Japanese war 1937 Causes– 1. Marco Polo Bridge incident Results– 1. Nearly all Japanese recourses used up,  2. Japanese government hoped that China would quickly capitulate – this undermined the extent of Chinese nationalism and the outrage caused the Rape of Nanjing, The Nanjing Massacre 1937-38 - International condemnation, „Border war“ with Soviet Union 1939 a series of border skirmishes between Japanese and Soviet forces along the Manchurian border, Causes – Territorial disputes over border areas in Manchuria and Mongolia. Results- A decisive defeat for Japan at the hands of Soviet forces, which was significant in curbing Japanese expansionist ambitions in Mongolia. Led to a stronger Soviet presence in the region and influenced Japanese military strategy in subsequent years. „Main Principles of Fundamental National Policy“ announced 1940 – provided a framework for Japan’s wartime actions, influencing its strategies and justifications for expansion in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Tripartite Pact September 1940 – a pact signed by Germany, Italy, and Japan Causes– 1. Japanese expansionism 2. Common enemies, the Allied powers 3. Germany’s successes Results– 1. Formation of the Axis Powers 2. Global tension escalation 3. US reaction, It provoked stronger opposition from the U.S., leading to increased sanctions against Japan, which eventually culminated in Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and full-scale U.S. involvement in WWII Roosevelt renounces the neutrality policy towards Japan, „Quarantine Speech“ October 1937 - Roosevelt suggested that nations should "quarantine" aggressor states to prevent the spread of conflict, indicating a shift away from strict neutrality. - He emphasised the need for international cooperation to address the threats posed by militaristic regimes. The Nine-Power Treaty Conference – between Japan, Britain, France, Italy, China, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This treaty was one of the three treaties that emerged in the Washington Naval Conference in 1921. The importance of this treaty was to respect China's integrity and their independence. This would also mark the internationalisation of the U.S. Open door policy. Japanese attack on disputed border areas is renewed between Japanese and Soviets. Japanese are eventually heavily defeated, 1939 – Japan and the Soviet Union fought over disputed territories along the Mongolia-Manchukuo border (Manchukuo was a Japanese puppet state in Manchuria). The conflict escalated into the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. Results– The defeat forced Japan to abandon plans for northward expansion into Siberia, pushing them to focus on southern expansion instead. It also led to the signing of the Japanese-Soviet Neutrality Pact in 1941. World War Two begins with the German attack on Poland, 1939 September 1 – Nazi Germany launched a military invasion of Poland, marking the beginning of World War II. Causes – 1. Nazi Germany sought to reclaim lost territories and expand its "Lebensraum" (living space) by invading Poland. 2. The signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, a non-aggression pact, allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet interference. Results– Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939 Japanese-Soviet Neutrality Pact April 13, 1941 Causes– After the defeat at Khalkhin Gol, Japan wanted to avoid further conflict with the Soviet Union to focus on expansion in Southeast Asia. The Soviet Union, facing the threat of Nazi Germany, wanted to secure its eastern borders to concentrate on the coming war in Europe. Results– This allowed the Soviet Union to focus on the war with Nazi Germany, while Japan concentrated on expanding into Southeast Asia. Nazi invasion to Soviet Union begins Operation Barbarossa, June 1941 Causes– 1. Hitler aimed to destroy the Soviet Union, defeat communism, and gain control of Soviet territory, especially for its resources like oil and grain. 2. Despite the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Hitler always planned to invade the Soviet Union, viewing it as a key step in Nazi Germany's expansionist ambitions. Results– The Soviet Union joined the Allies in the fight against Nazi Germany. Japan refrained from attacking the Soviets in the east due to the neutrality pact, even after Germany urged them to do so. Imperial Conference July 2, 1941 Causes-  1. Japan's leadership sought to address increasing tensions with Western powers, particularly over its aggressive expansion in China and Southeast Asia. 2. Japan needed access to resources such as oil, rubber, and metals to sustain its military and economy, especially after the U.S. restricted trade. Results– Japan decided to expand into Southeast Asia, especially the resource-rich territories of the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) and French Indochina. This decision paved the way for further confrontations with Western powers, leading to the imposition of more severe economic sanctions, especially by the United States. Japan invades south Indo-china July 1941 Causes– Japan wanted control of Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) to secure access to resources like oil, rubber, and rice for its war efforts. French Indochina was controlled by the Vichy government, which was aligned with Nazi Germany. Japan saw an opportunity to take advantage of France’s weakened position after its defeat by Germany. Results– Japan gained control of key strategic locations in southern Indochina, including airfields and ports. The United States, Britain, and the Netherlands imposed further economic sanctions on Japan, including the freezing of Japanese assets and a total embargo on oil and steel exports to Japan. This intensified Japan's resource crisis, setting the stage for Japan's decision to go to war against the U.S. and its allies. US trade bans on Japan, and Japanese assets in US frozen July 1941 Causes– Japan’s aggression in Southeast Asia, particularly its occupation of southern Indochina, was seen as a threat to U.S. and Allied interests in the Pacific. Japan’s continuing war in China and its alliance with the Axis powers further antagonized the United States. Results– The oil embargo was a severe blow to Japan, which imported around 80% of its oil from the U.S. Japan's leaders saw this as a direct threat to their military and economic survival, leading them to pursue a bold strategy: the attack on Pearl Harbor The Hull Note November 26, 1941 The Hull note, officially the Outline of Proposed Basis for Agreement Between the United States and Japan, was the final proposal delivered to the Empire of Japan by the United States before the attack on Pearl Harbor and the declaration of war between the two nations. December 7 1941 Japanese carrier planes attack the US fleet in Pearl Harbor. In a series of campaigns they manage to occupy Malaya, the Phillipines, Singapoore, Java and Borneo. Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Cause the US to officially join WWII. Terms Sun Goddess – the ancestor of the Imperial family the Meiji Period - a political event that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. the Taisho period 1912-1926 followed the Meiji period and was characterised by significant social, political, and cultural changes in Japan. the Showa period 1926-1989 encompasses a broad range of events in Japan, including militarism, World War II, post-war recovery, and economic growth. the zaibatsu – monopolies, enormous corporations owned by individual families that had an impressive economic reach. The Diet (parlament) – House of Peers and House of Representatives Militarism - the opinions or actions of people who believe that a country should use military methods, forces to gain power and achieve goals. Manchukuo - puppet state Ultranationalist – a belief in which a person or state’s nationality is considered superior to that of all others and usually involves racist and discriminatory beliefs against others not of the same nationality. Expansionism - policy or ideology of territorial or economic expansion by a state or nation Great Powers - In this period, primarily European states such as Britain, France, Germany and Russia, but sometimes meant to include the USA, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy. Mandates – Lands formerly held by Germany and the Ottoman Empire that were to be administered by Britain, France, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and Japan after the First World War for the League of Nations. Annexed – Acquired by force. Conscription – Required military service bv a government for a specific length of time and usually for men only. Great Depression – A worldwide economic depression that led to massive unemployment, political instability, hunger and poverty, among other issues, starting from late 1929 and ending by the early 1940s, depending on the country or region. Shidehara Diplomacy - Kijuro Shidehara's foreign policy in the 1920s, emphasizing peace and cooperation with Western powers while promoting Japan's international standing Privy Council – Small government body of elites whose approval was required for laws, major political appointees and more; they controlled access to the Emperor of Japan and were heavily relied on by the Emperor owing to their prestige and experience. Kwantung Army – Japan's most elite military unit before the Second World War, stationed in the Liaodong Peninsula, next to Manchuria. Kuomintang – China's main political group, also known as the Guomindang, or Nationalists. Manchurian crisis – On September 18th, 1931 there was an explosion on a railway in Mukden. The Chinese were accused of this incident but it was revealed that Japan had played a role in what happened as well. This was significant because it was the push that Japan needed to expand into Manchuria and eventually take over. the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo, and the international response to these actions. the Hull Note - a diplomatic communication from U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull to Japan on November 26, 1941, demanding Japan withdraw from China and Indochina. CCP – Chinese Communist Party, formed in 1923, when Sun Yat-Sen merged the Third Communist International and the KMT to create the first of many liberation fronts. This front was completely anticonservative and anti-imperialist, but not fully communist. Eventually it would separate from and defeat the KMT under Mao Zedong in 1927. the Mukden Incident - refers to a staged event on September 18, 1931, in which Japanese military personnel faked an attack on a railway in Manchuria to justify their invasion. „Asiatic Monroe Doctrine“ - A policy asserting Japan's right to dominate Asia and protect its interests from Western powers. the Lytton commission - investigated the Mukden Incident in 1932 and concluded that Japan's actions were unjustified, leading to Japan's withdrawal from the League of Nations. Shintoism - Japan's indigenous spirituality, focusing on the worship of kami (spirits) and influencing national identity and traditional practices. Imperialism – policy or system of a state gaining control of foreign lands for reasons of trade, prestige or military advantage. US “Open door” policy – an agreement enacted by the United States stating that China's ports were open for trade equally among foreign nations. This was important because after Japan started to expand into China they decreased the amount of power that China was limited to and it represented the disregard for its international community. samurai legacy - The samurai legacy encompasses the cultural impact of samurai values like loyalty and honor, shaping Japanese identity n the 19th century. bushido code - a set of ethical guidelines for samurai, focusing on loyalty, honour, courage, and self-discipline, influencing Japanese culture and ethics. the Blood Brotherhood League - a nationalist organization in early 20th-century Japan promoting militarism, advocating for Japanese leadership against Western imperialism. Minseito political party - Founded in 1927, the Minseito was a liberal party promoting democracy and social reform, aiming to balance the interests of the common people and the political elite. Seiyukai - a major political party in Japan established in 1900, known for its support of political conservatism and alignment with military interests. It played a significant role in Japanese politics during the Taisho and Showa periods, often promoting nationalist policies. Personalities Yoshida Shoin Role – Japanese political philosopher. Significance – Influential in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, advocating for modernization and imperial restoration Emperor Hirohito Role-emperor Significance – Celebrate with a revival of the idea of the emperor as a living god along with the revival of nationalism and idea of Japan’s special destiny in the world Lord Lytton Role– Leader of the Chinese Nationalist Significance– Led China during the Second Sino-Japanese War and later retreated to Taiwan after the civil war. Chiang Kai-shek Role–(1887-1975) Leading military and political ruler of China after 1925, dominating the Kuomintang political party. Osach Hamaguchi Role–Minister of Japan Significance–Promoted economic recovery post-Great Depression, assassinated by an ultranationalist. Okawa Shumei Role–[Ultranationalist ideologist] Significance–saw the emperor as central to Japan's morality and the Japanese spirit as opposing Western individualism and materialism. He called for a "Second Restoration" to unite Japan under the Emperor and lead Asia. Toyama Mitsuru Role – Leader of the Genyosha (Black Ocean Society), a nationalist secret society Significance – a key figure in Japan's right-wing nationalist movements, he supported imperial expansion and fostered militarism and nationalism in Japan, influencing the country’s imperialist policies. Tanaka Giichi Role–Prime Minister (1927-1929), army general. Significance–Advocated for Japanese expansion in Asia, especially in Manchuria. His aggressive foreign policies helped shape Japan’s early militarism. Shidehara Kijuro Role– Japanese Foreign Minister Significance– 'Shidehara Diplomacy, named after a Japanese Foreign Minister, Kijuro Shidehara, who promoted the use of diplomacy instead of military actions. Sadao Araki Role- Army general and Minister of War (1931-1934) Significance-A leading advocate of Japanese militarism and ultra-nationalism, he promoted the idea of military dominance and traditional samurai values, significantly influencing Japan’s expansionist policies. Konoe Fumimaro- Role-Prime Minister (1937-1941) Significance- Led Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War and attempted, unsuccessfully, to avoid war with the U.S. His government set the stage for Japan’s entry into World War II. Yamamoto Role–Japan's Admiral Significance–developed a plan to attack the USA by defeating the US navy's Pacific fleet based at Pearl Harbor. hoped that the US government would be so surprised by Japan's action that it would choose not to fight Japan, allowing Japan time to absorb the Dutch East Indies into its growing empire and cut all supply lines to China. Cordell Hull Role– US Secretary of State Significance – The USA increased pressure on Japan on 26 November 1941. In the Hull Note, named after US Secretary of State Cordell Hull, Hiranuma Kiichi Role - Prime Minister (1939), conservative politician Significance - Supported Japan’s military expansion and its alliance with Nazi Germany. Though his tenure was short, he was influential in Japan’s wartime policies. Inukai Tsuyoshi Role- (1931-1932) Prime minister of Japan during age of anxiety Significance – during period of economic problems a frustrated public called for radical policies and a campaign of assassinations of political/business leaders culminated resulting in his assassination.