Challenges to Traditional Power and Authority (in Japan leading up to WWII)

Reign of Seiyukai

Period: 1915 to 1917

Election in 1915, Seiyukai only in power until 1917.

Rice riots and power of Seiyukai

1918

Rice riots occurred and Seiyukai was the largest party in government.

Seiyukai governments reject worker rights

1920

Seiyukai unsuccessful in gaining universal voting rights. The rejection of the worker rights created disillusionment about conventional politics.

Kenseikai win election

1924

Dissatisfaction with Seiyukai government leads to Kenseikai winning more votes.

Introduction of universal male sufferage

1925

Kenseikai bring in universal right to vote for males.

Showa Financial Crisis and Kenseikai loss of control

1927

The Showa Financial Crisis, which saw the collapse of many banks and companies, lead to the Kenseikai losing power.

Menseito Party takes back power

1929

Leads to them becoming one of the major parties in the decade leading up to WWII.