• 1920s post-war recession

  • Many businesses failed

  • People lost their money

  • Bank failures

• 1930s

  • Only somewhat impacted by depression

  • Japanese economy actually grew during the 1930s

Militarism/Nationalism

• 1920s/1930s Japan moved toward some democratic structures

• Democracy not strong enough and caved to military leaders

• Ultranationalist (uber patriotic) military leaders pushed for Japanese imperialism (expansion)

  • Island

  • Lack of resources

  • Return to tradition of samurai -- bring Japan back to a position of power in the world

• Militarists will take over the government and use the emperor (Hirohito) as their puppet

Specific events

• Military terrorized political opponents

• Tojo/Hirohito promised to increase the Japanese empire and return Japan to greatness.

• Constitution suspended

• Military took control of government in the name of the emperor

• Military has unchecked power

Tactics to gain/maintain power

• Violence against opposition

• Domestic terrorism

• Assassinations of government officials

• Patriotic indoctrination - blind loyalty

• Military conflict to strengthen Japan

• Propaganda

• Censorship

• Short-term success - built an empire

• WWII destroyed half of Japanese industry, economy completely disrupted by war

• Nearly 3 million people killed