1. Japan After WWII

2. WWII Recap Japan entered WWII because they had a lack of resources – Joined as a member of the Axis Powers Germany, Italy, and Japan Major events – Massacre of Nanjing in China – Pearl Harbor – Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki In short, the war resulted in almost a complete destruction of Japan – Government, military, economy, and culture

3. Government and Military Reform After the war the Allies did not want Japan to threaten world peace again – U.S., England, France The Allies put American Douglas MacArthur in charge of the military and governmental changes – Dismantled Japan’s armed forces completely An end to militarism and nationalism – Military and civilian leaders who committed crimes during the war were put in jail or executed

4. Government and Military Reform Government was changed from being led by an all powerful emperor and military dictators created by the Meiji Restoration to a democracy – New parts of government Constitution Bill of Rights Elections Illegal for Japan to go to war or have a military Strangely, Japan became a major political ally of the United States after the war

5. Economic Reform World War II destroyed the economy of Japan – Atomic bombs greatly damaged all industrial areas – During the war the country only produced things necessary for war Other setbacks to improving the economy – Limited resources Oil, coal, iron, etc Reasons for eventual success – High tech products like TVs, VCRs, CD players, etc New factories built by the U.S. with the latest technology

6. Economic Reform Reasons for eventual success – Fuel efficient and high quality cars – Continued belief in Bushido Hard working Loyalty to the company Honor family by doing your job perfectly Very educated and skilled workers

7. Cultural Reform Major changes happened socially after the war – Family Arranged marriages are no longer the norm Most families have moved from the country to cities Extended families are being replaced with nuclear families – Women Even though women are equal legally now, they are not completely equal – Trouble getting into major universities – Most women work as “Office Ladies” or secretaries

8. Cultural Reform Major changes happened socially after the war – Western Influence Although technology, cars, video games, and anime have come to America we influence them as well – Clothing, fast food, movies, music » Michael Jackson – Pacifism Japanese now refuse to use force/ violence in any situation – Minimal crime – Minimal murder Japan has only a small self defense force of soldiers – U.S. military truly defends them