Japanese Expansion 1920s and 1930s
Growth and Expansion after WW I Less Imperialism Increased industry Increased trade with Allied nations Japan becomes an industrial power
Expanded Influence in East Asia Annexed Korea 1910 Expanded rights with China - 21 Demands Occured during WW I Plans to extend Japan’s power in China Control of Manchuria and Chinese economy
Japan’s Expanding Empire 1870-1942
Liberal Changes in the 1920s Democracy flourished Japanese parliament - Diet - voted All adult men could vote in 1925 Zaibatsu- businessmen who influenced political parties Foreign expansion slowed, military spending reduced Japan agrees to leave Shandong, China
Problems Poverty: Poor vs Rich Traditional values vs Western ideas Government vs military - corruption Earthquake in 1923 ruins economy
Great Depression Causes Suffering 1929 - Japanese exports suffer Ultranationalists - extreme nationalists Condemn politicians for halting overseas expansion Disagree with Western powers’ mistreatment of Japanese immigrants Want renewed expansion Wants to take control of Manchuria, China
Manchurian Incident -1931 Japanese military provokes excuse to seize Manchuria Blows up railroad tracks on Japanese-owned line Blame Chinese and attacks them Conquers all of Manchuria without govt. approval Set-up puppet government Actions condemned by League of Nations Japan withdraws from League of Nations Nullifies agreement to limit naval armament
Japanese Militarists in Power Hirohito becomes Emperor - 1926 Ultranationalists gain support and power 1936 - Overthrow government Traditional Values Revived Suppress democratic freedoms Expansion in China Allies with Germany and Italy Signs Tripartite Act in September 1940