B-Conflicting+Forces+in+Japan+(512-515)

=Conflicting Forces in Japan (512-515)= **__Ultranationalists__** - Leading military officials and extreme nationalists. **__Manchria__** - Region was rich in natural resources, and Japanese businesses had already invested heavily there.
 * __Hirohito__ ** - Reigned from 1926 to 1989.

Hirohito was the emperor from 1926 to 1989, ruling during the 20s and 30s. During this time Japan experienced success and tragedy.
 * Conflicting forces in Japan**

=The Nationalist Reactions:=
 * Japan on the Rise**
 * During the 1920s Japan moved towards greater prosperity and democracy, leaving behind imperialistic ideas.
 * [[image:imgres-1.jpeg width="233" height="155"]]
 * Japan strengthened relations with other westernized countries. Japan came an industrialized power during World War I, by exporting goods to countries fighting in the war.
 * Japan started spreading their influence into China, they also annexed Korea, as well as took over former German lands in east Asia.
 * During the 1920s political parties grew stronger with elected members of the Diet (The Japanese Parliament).
 * In 1925 all adult men received the right to vote no matter what class.
 * Despite democracy, political parties were manipulated by the Zaibatsu, Japan's powerful business leaders.
 * To protect relations with western powers, Japan decided to slow down foreign expansion.
 * Although there was lots of political reform and economical prosperity, rural peasants were still very, very poor.
 * workers in factories earned low wages, their poverty drew them to the idealistic teachings of Marx and Lenin.
 * Because of westernization the younger generations started to revolt, ignoring and rejecting traditions, shocking the elders.
 * Tensions between government and military arose. Military pointed out government corruption and disrespect to Japanese culture.
 * [[image:Satsuma-samurai-during-boshin-war-period.jpeg width="260" height="188"]]
 * One low point in the economy was after the earthquake of 1923. The earthquake killed over 100,000 people and 45% of the survivors lost their jobs because so many buildings were destroyed.
 * great depression caused foreign buyers unable to afford japanese exports, unemployment to rise, and starvation problems
 * In the early 1930's, ultra nationalists were winning support from the people for foreign conquests.
 * [[image:imgres-2.jpeg width="147" height="210"]]
 * Members of extreme nationalist societies assassinated many politicians and business leaders who opposed expansion.
 * Military leaders began planning to overthrow the government and in 1936, the military was in brief control of the center of Tokyo.
 * In 1937, opposition forced the government to accept military domination.
 * To please the ultra nationalists, the new government cracked down on socialists and restrainded most democratic freedoms.
 * The new government also revived ancient warrior values and built a cult around emperor Hirohito.
 * This cult spread the nationalist message by using schools to teach students about absolute obedience to the emperor and service to the state.
 * In the 1930's Japan took advantage of China's civil war to increase size and gain more resources.
 * Unfortunately, in 1939, WWII broke out in Europe and spread to Asia.
 * Japan allied with Germany and Italy. Later these three powers signed the Tripantite pack in September 1940, cementing the alliance that would be known as the Axis of Powers.
 * This alliance turned WWII into a brutal and wide ranged conflict.
 * [[image:imgres-3.jpeg width="149" height="217"]]

4. During the 1920s, Japan became more prosperous and more democratic. C 5. Who were the zaibatsu? Powerful Japanese business leaders who influenced the government. B 6. What natural disaster struck Japan in 1923? An earthquake. D 7. What was one effect of the Great Depression in Japan? The Ulntranationalists gained power. C 8. What made Manchuria attractive to the Japanese? It was rich in natural resources. C 9. Now did Japanese nationalists use the schools to increase their power? Students were taught to obey and serve the state. B 10. With what countries did Japan ally itself in 1936? Italy and Germany. D