1. Authoritarian Regimes
Case Study: Fascist Japan
Chapter 5

2. Chapter Objectives The beginnings of Fascism and how it became popular
Factors contributing to the failure of the democratic government in Japan
Reasons for the rise of Fascism in Japan

3. Essentially…The Chapter is about…
Failure of the Democratic Government
Weakness of the Japanese Parliament
Corrupt Politicians
Lacked Support of Workers and Peasants
Impact of Economic Problems
Problems at the end of
World War I
1929 Great Depression
WHAT LED TO THE RISE
OF FASCISM IN
JAPAN
Fear of Chinese Nationalism
Anti-Japanese Protests
Unhappiness with Former Allied
Powers
1919 Versailles Treaty
Washington Naval Conference
Mid-1920s Immigration Issues
Unhappiness with Japanese
Leaders who wanted Friendly
Ties with the former
Allied Powers

4. Chapter Assignment Due in Week 4
To what extent did a weak Japanese parliament contribute to the failure of the democratic government in Japan? Explain your answer. (12m)
“Unhappiness with the former Allied Powers was the most important reason that led to the rise of fascism in Japan.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (13m)

5. Activity 1 What is Fascism?
In groups of 4, come up with a mind-map on what Fascism is about
You may use your textbook as a guide
You have 10 minutes

6. What is Fascism? Comes from the Italian word “Fascio”
Founded by Benito Mussolini in 1919
Founded at a time when Italy was having social disorder and economic problems
FASCISM
Popular with the people as they believed that Democracy was ineffective and inefficient and that its leaders were weak
Fascism believed in “Nation First” and that Democracy was weak as power was in the hands of the people. Fascism believed in having strong leadership
Fascism was spread
throughout the world
and in Japan, the idea
was strongly
influenced by the
Military
Fascists also believed that the nation should grow strong and expand hence they were popular with
young men and WWI veterans
Fascism also brought
About a sense of belonging

7. Benito
Mussolino

8. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Why did Fascism seem so attractive?
The Japanese democratic leaders were weak, corrupt and inefficient
As a result, they were unable to solve the economic problems that plagued the people of Japan
Since Fascism valued the nation and worked towards its progress through strong leadership, the idea appealed to many Japanese

9. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
The Factors:
The Limited Power of the Diet
The Damage of Democracy’s Reputation by Corruption
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
Farmer’s Economic Problems
Workers’ Economic Problems
Trade Imbalance
Great Depression of 1929

10. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
The Limited Power of the Diet
Although there was a parliament (Diet), power remained with the Emperor and the Genro (retired statesmen who served the Emperor)
No power to make decisions or policies
Could not control the ministers as they were under the control of the Emperor

12. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
The Limited Power of the Diet
As the Diet had no control over the government, it’s recommendations were usually overruled
As a result, the military wielded much power over the government

14. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
The Damage of Democracy’s Reputation by Corruption
As Democratic leaders had to be elected into the Diet, political parties were formed with large sponsorship from the Zaibatsus
The Zaibatsus sponsored politicians in order to use the close ties to make the government pass laws that would benefit them

15. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
The Damage of Democracy’s Reputation by Corruption
Because of these close ties, there were many rumours of corruption
Due to these accusations, many political parties fought in parliament and disillusioned the Japanese people

17. Zaibatsus

18. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
Farmers’ Economic Problems
Lack of land which led to a lack of profits as the plots were too small to grow more rice
Landlords rented land at very high prices which made life difficult for the farmers
Tenant unions used violence and tenant-landlord violence was very common

20. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
Workers’ Economic Problems
Poor living and working conditions
Crowded and unhygienic quarters
Worked long hours
Locked in working compounds
Could only leave their working compounds a few times each month
Fed up, most workers joined Communist-sponsored unions

21. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
Trade Imbalance
Despite its internal problems, Japan prospered from global trade
Japan exported silk textiles, china (plates, cups, etc) and porcelain
However, there was a trade imbalance because Japan had to import many raw materials and food from abroad to feed its growing population

24. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
The Great Depression of 1929
Led to a decrease in Japan exports due to protectionism policies (increase in taxes on foreign goods to protect home-made products in difficult economic times)
Japan was badly affected because the demand for Japanese silk fell drastically
This led to economic depression

26. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
High Taxes on Japanese Silk
More people bought silk or other type of cloths produced by their home countries thus reducing the demand for Japanese silk
Effect of
Protectionism on
Japan
High prices of Japanese silk
People in other countries could not afford to buy Japanese silk

27. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
80%
Fall in
Silk Prices
Businessmen who
Owned silk factories
Went bankrupt
Other businesses
were affected
Impact of
decrease in
silk Price
The Japanese had
less money to
buy other goods
Lower prices led to
fewer goods being
produced
Fewer workers were
needed in factories and
more Japanese became unemployed

28. Effects of the Great Depression on Japan
Less Demand
CRASH!
Loss of Paper Profits
Lower Prices
Less Employment
Less Production
Less Money in Circulation
DEPRESSION
Less Bank Credit
Less Employment
Less Demand
Less Building of Factories and Homes

29. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
The Great Depression of 1929
The farmers were very badly hit because they produced silk to earn more income
Worse still, they were hit by a drought in 1932 and made even less money
Desperate they even resorted to selling their daughters to make ends meet

30. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
Failure to Solve Economic Problems
The Great Depression of 1929
When the economy failed to improve, they joined the army or patriotic societies
The peasants felt that democracy wasn’t working and instead believed in national reconstruction, military strength and respect for authority
Many young rural men enlisted in the Japanese army

31. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
To what extent did a weak Japanese parliament contribute to the failure of the democratic government in Japan? Explain your answer. (12m)
Step 1: Explain how the weak Japanese parliament contributed to the failure of the democratic government in Japan (Remember to EXPLAIN HOW IT HAPPENED and NOT WHAT IT IS…)
Step 2: Explain 2 OTHER FACTORS In this case, Damage to Democracy’s Reputation and the Failure to Solve Economic Problems
Step 3: Weigh your answer. How far was the weak Japanese parliament responsible for the failure of the democratic government AS COMPARED TO the 2 OTHER FACTORS?

32. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
American expansion in the Asia-Pacific region threatened Japanese plans to control the area
Paris Peace Conference 1919
Washington Naval Conference
London Disarmament Conference 1930
Immigration Laws in the USA in the mid 1930s
Resurgence of Chinese Nationalism
Internal Reasons
The Showa Restoration
Patriotic Societies
Military’s great influence over the government
Military take-over of Japan

33. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
American expansion in the Asia-Pacific region threatened Japanese plans to control the area
Since the opening of trade with Japan by the American Commodore, Matthew Perry, American businessmen were interested in doing business in the Asia-Pacific
The US took control of many Pacific islands to obtain Guano (bat shit)
Other islands were used as bases for American trading ships
By the 1930s, more of the Pacific region came under American control including Hawaii and the Philippines
Japanese militarists believed that Japanese and American economic and military interests would come into conflict over who would control the Asia-Pacific

37. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Paris Peace Conference 1919
As Japan had fought with the Allied Powers in WWI, they requested that the League of Nations formally recognise that all races were equal
As the League of Nations refused, the Japanese, particularly the Japanese Army, were unhappy

39. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Washington Naval Conference
The WNC aimed to reduce the naval forces of the world’s major powers
For every 5 ships Britain and the USA could build, Japan could only build 3
The Japanese felt that this was an unfair treaty and an attempt to restrict Japanese naval power

41. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
London Disarmament Conference 1930
Many Japanese were unhappy when PM Hamaguchi Osachi wanted to ensure further naval arms reduction with Britain and the USA where he agreed, at the LDC to further limit Japan’s smaller battleships
They were also unhappy that he was trying to improve ties with China
The PM also reduced spending on the Army to end the Great Depression
He was accused by the Army of being too soft and betraying the country
He died in 1931 from wounds sustained in an assassination attempt in 1930

43. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Immigration Laws in the USA in the mid 1930s
In 1924, the USA restricted Asian immigration as part of its isolationist and protectionist policies
All Asian immigration (except for Filipinos) was banned
Asian immigrants could not become US citizens even if they had been living there for a long time
Asians could not marry Caucasians and were not allowed to own land

44. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Immigration Laws in the USA in the mid 1930s
There was also Asian Segregation (California Alien Law 1931)
These new immigration laws angered the Japanese who saw these policies as a sign that the Americans thought the Japanese were inferior
These laws combined with the effects of the Great Depression caused many Japanese to turn away from Democracy and support Japanese expansion overseas

46. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Resurgence of Chinese Nationalism
Since 1894, Japan had taken advantage of China’s weak political situation to gain special trading rights and privileges within China
The Chinese were angered by the dynastic decline and the giving of foreign concessions
Subsequently, there were struggles between the Chinese warlords and the KMT and CCP (who both tried to unite China). These struggles weakened the country

48. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Resurgence of Chinese Nationalism
When the KMT succeeded in uniting China, the Chinese demanded an end to the special concessions to Westerners and Japanese in China and Manchuria
Strikes and boycotts hurt Japanese economic interests in China and Manchuria

49. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
Resurgence of Chinese Nationalism
Japanese Kwantung Army Officers in Manchuria realised that a strong and united China could prevent further Japanese expansion in the country
They urged Japan to occupy Manchuria and North China before anti-Japanese feelings became too strong
The Japanese military’s call for action was supported by many Japanese

51. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
Internal Reasons
The Showa Restoration
From the 1890s the Japanese education system emphasised:
Nationalism
Loyalty to the Emperor
Self-Sacrifice
Obedience
Japan’s response to the Great Depression and foreign opposition to its growing empire was the “Showa Restoration” (Bright Harmony)
Western values were characterised to be selfish, greedy and individualistic and Japanese virtues such as self-sacrifice for the nation were promoted

53. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
Internal Reasons
The Showa Restoration
The slogan “Sonno Joi” (Restore the Emperor and Expel the Barbarian!)
The SR produced youths who were blindly loyal to the Emperor and the nation
These youths also believed in militarism and an aggressive military policy

55. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
Internal Reasons
Patriotic Societies
Since the 1920s, many patriotic societies with links to the military were set up in Japan (Black Dragon Society, Cherry Blossom Society)
They were extremely nationalistic and believed in Japan’s superiority to other nations
They wanted to use an aggressive foreign policy to make Japan strong again
These societies wanted to get rid of democratic leaders and set up a military dictatorship on behalf of the Emperor

57. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
Internal Reasons
Army and Navy’s Great Influence over the Government
The Army and Navy had a great influence over political decisions and acted independently from the government
They wanted to copy the West and acquire more colonies in China and Manchuria
Military success made the Army and Navy popular (e.g. Russo-Japanese War) and helped them gain even more influence over the government.
Leaders who did not support the military’s ambitions were often assassinated

58. Japanese Military Gains
Sino-Japanese War
Japan defeated China
It took over Taiwan and demanded that China give up control over the Liaodung Peninsula in Manchuria
This started the Japanese presence in Manchuria
Russo-Japanese War
Japan defeated Russia
First Asian power to defeat a major European power
Signed the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905
1905 Treaty of Portsmouth
Gained the right to build a railway in Manchuria which was rich in oil and coal
Took over Port Arthur, the Liaodung Peninsula and the southern Sakhalin Island from Russia
1914 Japan joined the Allies in WWI
When Japan entered the war on the side of the Allies, it occupied the German territories of Shantung and parts of the Pacific islands
1915 – Japan Issues the 21 Demands to China
Weak Chinese government is forced to accept Japanese advisors
Japan is able to keep Shantung
Japan’s control of Korea is achieved

59. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
Internal Reasons
Military Take-over of Japan
In 1930, the military brought down the Hamaguchi government by shooting the PM
In May 1932, the new PM, Inukai, was killed for criticising the actions of the Japanese Army in Manchuria
Succeeding PMs felt pressurised to support the Kwantung Army in Manchuria or were already strong supporters of the military
After 1932, after the Manchurian Incident, the Japanese government began to follow the aims of the Army

60. What led to the Failure of the Democratic Government in Japan?
“Unhappiness with the former Allied Powers was the most important reason that led to the rise of fascism in Japan.” How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (13m)
Step 1: You can start by saying that “Unhappiness with the former Allied Powers was a reason for the rise of fascism in Japan” BUT there are other factors as well (e.g. See Slide 23)
Explain how unhappiness with the former Allied Powers was led to the rise of fascism in Japan.” Remember to EXPLAIN HOW IT HAPPENED and NOT WHAT IT IS…)
Step 2: Explain 2 OTHER FACTORS (Aqmal ~ 2 more factors…not ONE…)
Step 3: Weigh your answer. How important was unhappiness with the former Allied Powers responsible for the rise of fascism in Japan AS COMPARED TO the 2 OTHER FACTORS?

61. What led to the Rise of Fascism in Japan?
External Reasons
American expansion in the Asia-Pacific region threatened Japanese plans to control the area
Paris Peace Conference 1919
Washington Naval Conference
London Disarmament Conference 1930
Immigration Laws in the USA in the mid 1930s
Resurgence of Chinese Nationalism
Internal Reasons
The Showa Restoration
Patriotic Societies
Military’s great influence over the government
Military take-over of Japan