1. Lesson 1 – Causes of Japanese Expansion
Japan in the 1920’s
Lesson 1 – Causes of Japanese Expansion

2. Nationalism, Militarism and Shogun
The roots of Japanese nationalism and militarism began in the mid-19th century.
Determination to turn Japan into a western power (equality with the west)
Japan’s belief in its destiny to be the leader of Asia
Need to obtain raw materials, and secure markets in East Asia
Need for strategic security
Actions of the Western powers
_______________________________________________________________________.
Read about the Shogun, nationalism and militarism on page 15.

3. Treaty of Kanagawa
After the American Navy landed on the shore of Japan demanding an opening in trade, Japan (for the first time in history) opened its doors to the world by signing this treaty.
This caused the emperor the Meiji to take _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________:
Dismantling the feudal system and implementing limited democracy
Promotion of national unity and patriotism “rich country, strong military”
Military reforms included: modernizing the army and adapting German military tactics, establishing a new navy with the help of the British.

4. First Sino-Japanese War 1894-95
Because of Japan’s new and improved army, they quickly defeated China positioning itself as a world power with an empire. By winning they forced China to give up multiple territories and recognizing Korea as an independent country.
They also forced ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
As a result of this, the world powers (Germany, Russia and France – Triple Intervention) grew concerned with the influence Japan had in Asia. So they forced Japan to give up some of its territory at the threat of war.

5. Practice question – 5 min – page 18 – source C and D

6. Russo-Japanese War and WWI
By signing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902) ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Japan had interests in Manchuria (an agriculturally rich area of China, extremely close to Japan) and clashes over this prompted Russian intervention in – pg. 19
Japan easily destroyed the Russian Navy, gaining major respect from the Western and Asian powers.
The strength of Japan’s military was also prominent during WW1.
** read page **

7. Japan in the 1920s
How peaceful was Japan in the 1920s? (See chart on p. 22)
Japan changed its tone internationally thanks to Shidehara Kijuro (Ambassador to Washington).
Its foreign policy now focused on internationalism and developing Japan’s economy peacefully.
They would do this by maintaining relations with the USA and keeping them as a key trading partner.
Japan was also a signatory to several international agreements (Washington Naval Conference: Four-Power Treaty, Nine-Power Treaty, Five-power Naval treaty).
Collectively these would ensure that Japan respected the sovereignty of China, as well as reduce their navy power (which was upsetting, bu necessary for international cooperation).

8. Taisho democracy
Refers to a series of reforms instituted during Emperor Taisho’s reign.
The prime-minister’s position given to the leader of one of the two main political parties that controlled the Imperial Diet (day-et).
In 1925, all males were given the chance to vote.
Society became more open and mass media became more influential.
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

9. What problems did Japan face in the 1920s?
1. A Fragile Democracy:
With a rise of global socialism in the 1920s; Japan’s democracy (although progressive) was prone to scandals and political problems.
Political parties were often caught in scandals with big businesses which led to distrust in the political system by the general public.
Fear of left-wing radicalism led to the creation of the Peace Preservation Law. This punished all those who opposed Japan’s new democratic system.
This posed a problem for the Meiji government; as there was a dilemma in how much political freedom to allow.

10. 2. Opposition to Shidehara’s internationalism; growing influence of military
Many conservative groups as well as the military were not in support of Japan’s new Internationalist approach, as they felt it betrayed the interests of Japan as a powerful nation.
This was manifested further when the USA passed an anti “Asiatic” immigration policy (limiting their immigration to 150,000 a year).
________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

11. 3. A growing economic crisis:
The post WW1 economic boom only lasted 2 years and when Japan began losing its industrial output and unemployment developed there was a large divide between cities and rural areas.
When farmers attempted to organize themselves and create a political party (to protest the falling price of rice – due to cheaper imports), they were suppressed by the police.
All of these combined with the impact of the stock market crash of 1929 had many Japanese questioning the legitimacy of democracy.

12. Homework -
Read pages 23-25
Complete question 1 on “Research and thinking skills” p. 25