 A major Japanese leader, during the interwar era was Emperor Hirohito.  He was next in line of the ruling family of Japan.

Hirohito took over after his father and grandfather had died.  In 1921 he visited Europe and took an interest in marine biology before this. His visit with the British Royal family gave him a good impression of Europeans.  He took the name Enlightened Peace, however he led Japan into WWII.

 He was very interested in science and other subjects.  His marriage was put off for 6 years however much he wanted it to take place  Almost killed by a radical person who threw a grenade  Hirohito became the direct 124 th emperor of Japan

 He was part of the Imperial family first of all but didn’t actually become ruler until 1926  He rose to power but didn’t really control and do much by himself in the beginning  Relied more on his advisers rather than make any of the decisions by himself  Sent the Japanese army to attack and control the area of Manchuria

 He refused to leave the Imperial Palace even though the Allies were bombing it.  He first claimed he was a divine ruler, but then took it back after the Allies “democratized” Japan  Hirohito lived a modest life, and at first it was awkward for him to talk to his subjects  Finally he won their support and made several trips to the United States

 He tended to rely on his advisers at first to make the decisions for him  But later he came into his own, and ruled the country himself and felt he was a divine ruler at first  Led Japan through a trying and violent period and had to deal with the ultranationalist Hideki Tojo, who some claim was responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor and was later hanged for war crimes

 He died in 1989 on January 7 after a long illness  Later in his life he married a commoner  Was buried with his Mickey Mouse watch and a microscope as he enjoyed marine biology and science in general

 Hirohito is recognized as a leader who at first was timid in making his own decisions and choices  He will be recognized as a powerful and unifying leader who saw Japan through very dark times, and helped pave the way for them to become a major economic and military power today

 Hirohito had a positive impact on the interwar era of the 1920’s as he came into control in1926  His father helped first build up Japan and helped them grow and expand, both militarily and economically.  The 1923 earthquake rocked Japan and devastated the country and needed help

 He had a positive impact on the interwar era of the 1930’s as well  Hirohito continued to improve Japan and built up their economy and helped them to expand and grow  Formed an alliance with Germany to protect interests and “fight Communism”  Zaibatsu-Japanese financial Cliques who controlled major Parts of the Japanese economy helped them survive Great Depression

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