Key Idea: Japan from 1912 to 1990: a fragile democracy gave way to military rule, which led to war and defeat; then US occupation and an economic miracle rebuilt the country.
From democracy to militarism, 1912 to 1932
- Post-war status — Paris gave territory but refused racial equality; Washington limited the navy and ended the British alliance.
- Taisho democracy — Party cabinets, male suffrage and a freer press, but also the Peace Preservation Law.
- Militarism — Depression hardship, an independent army and the murders of Hara, Hamaguchi and Inukai ended party rule by 1932.
War, occupation and the miracle
- The 1940 US oil embargo pushed Japan to gamble on Pearl Harbor (1941).
- US industry, Midway (1942), island-hopping and the atomic bombs brought defeat.
- MacArthur's 1947 constitution: a symbolic emperor, Article 9, votes for women and land reform; the 'reverse course' from 1950 rebuilt Japan.
- Growth came from Korean War orders, MITI planning, disciplined workers and US protection, until the bubble burst in 1990 to 1991.
Status, then democracy, then militarism; then defeat, occupation and growth.
How did the Depression help the militarists? Hardship discredited party politicians, and ultranationalists won support by blaming them.
Why did US policy towards Japan change around 1950? The Cold War and the Korean War made rebuilding Japan useful.
What does Article 9 do? It gives up war.
Name two social effects of globalisation in Japan. Smaller families and more working women.