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The League of Nations and Racial Equality
Japan asked for, and nearly got approved, a clause in the treaty that would have affirmed the equality of all nations, regardless of race. However, Japan fails to get Racial Equality clause inserted into the covenant of the League of Nations. Link: https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/japan-s-ultrnationalism-during-the-interwar-period -
Extreme Nationalism in Japan (1920s)
Japan experienced a surge of Nationalism during the Inter-War period. The nationalism emphasized the preservation of traditional Japanese values and rejection of “Western” influence. Link: http://silverhistory.weebly.com/japan-the-interwar-period.html -
Hirohito Becomes Emperor
Hirohito became the emperor after the death of his father in December of 1926. He reluctantly supported Japan when they declared war on China in 1931 and during the invasion of Manchuria. He thought that there would be a quick victory over all of the allies. When this speedy victory did not occur, Hirohito became dependent on the political leaders. Link: http://silverhistory.weebly.com/japan-the-interwar-period.html -
The Showa Financial Crisis of 1927
Caused by the Great Depression; This event was the consequence of persistent financial instability because of the incomplete restructuring in the business sector. The crisis brought reforms in the financial sector through large-scale injections of public funds. The Financial Crisis marked a turning point for the disposal of bad loans in Japan. Link: https://www.boj.or.jp/en/research/wps_rev/rev_2009/rev09e02.htm/ -
The Great Depression Effects
Since Japan was dependent upon trading with other nations, it suffered greatly during the Great Depression. Foreign buyers could no longer afford exports by Japan as the unemployment rate rose. Japan escaped from the Great Depression earlier than most other countries through economic stimulus measures initiated by Korekiyo Takahashi, a veteran Finance Minister who took office in December 1931. Link: https://www.boj.or.jp/en/research/wps_rev/rev_2009/data/rev09e02.pdf -
Japan Invades Manchuria
Radical army officers bombed a small portion of the South Manchuria Railroad and, falsely attributing the attack to the Chinese, invaded Manchuria. The Kwantung Army conquered Manchuria and set up the puppet government of Manchukuo there without permission from the Japanese government. Within several days, Japanese armed forces had seized several strategic points in South Manchuria. Link: https://www.historycentral.com/DEP/JapanInvadesManchuria.html -
The Assassination of Inukai Tsuyoshi
In 1932, a group of right-wing Army and Navy officers succeeded in assassinating the Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi.
Link: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Inukai-Tsuyoshi -
Japan Withdraws From The League of Nations
Japan withdraws from League of Nations after condemnation by the international community concerning seizing Manchuria. The withdrawal from the League of Nations meant that Japan was politically isolated. Japan had no strong allies and its actions had been internationally condemned. Leaders were recruited by various movements to indoctrinate the people with ultra-nationalist ideals. Link: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1933/02/24/Japan-stuns-world-withdraws-from-league/2231840119817/ -
The Second Sino-Japanese War
After establishing a regime in Manchuria, the Japanese withdrew from the League of Nations and attacked China; this resulted in the Sino-Japanese War. This started on July 7, 1937, and continued until September 9, 1947.
Link: https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/japan-s-ultrnationalism-during-the-interwar-period -
Japan issues the Amau Doctrine
Japan issued the Amau Doctrine, which stated that Japan assumed responsibility for peace in Asia. The Amau Doctrine is the Japanese equivalent of America’s Monroe Doctrine. The basis of Amau is that Japan reserves the right to act in order “to preserve peace and order in East Asia.”
Link: https://www.politact.com/the-japanese-amau-doctrine/
