Notes for Japanese domestic issues: political and economic issues, and their impact on foreign relations - IB | RevisionDojo
Japanese domestic issues: political and economic issues, and their impact on foreign relations Notes
Japanese Domestic Issues: Political and Economic issues, and their Impact on Foreign Relations
Even when Japan was already implementing an aggressive foreign policy, it became much more expansionist from 1931 onwards.
This is because of two main developments, the growing tension between authoritarianism and democracy and the impact of the Great Depression.
Tip
Even though the official reason that Japan will always present to legitimize their expansion will be based on the need to protect Japanese interests and self defense
The real motives are more connected to their domestic politics and the Great Depression.
Exam technique
Create a table with evidence for supporting the argument of domestic policies and the one of the impact of the Great Depression to explain the expansion in the 1930s.
This will come in handy when you need to build the essay in Paper 1.
Authoritarianism Grows in Japan
Even though the Meiji constitution had brought some democracy through votes, in practice the Japanese government never represented true democracy.Cabinets were set up to protect the interests of the zaibatsu.
This trend only got more pronounced when after 1929 the Great Depression impacted Japan and widened the gap between the wealthy zaibatsu and small businesses.
Meiji Constitution
The Great Depression in Japan
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Note
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Tip
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Note
Political Instability and the Rise of Militarism
Opposition to Shidehara's Internationalism
Shidehara Kijūrō, Japan's foreign minister during the 1920s, championed diplomacy and cooperation with Western powers.
His policies, however, faced intense criticism from conservative factions and the military, who viewed them as weak and submissive.
NoteThe Washington Treaty System (1921–1922) limited Japan's naval power and expansion, fueling resentment among nationalists who saw it as an "Anglo-Saxon iron ring" designed to contain Japan.
Immigration Restrictions and National Humiliation
The 1924 U.S. Immigration Act, which excluded "Asiatics," was perceived as a grave insult to Japan.
This provocation strengthened the position of those advocating for a more assertive foreign policy.
TipWhen analyzing foreign policy shifts, consider how domestic pressures—such as economic crises or nationalist movements—can drive a country to adopt more aggressive stances.
