8.3 Rise of militarism and ultranationalism

Japan's militarism and ultranationalism surged in the early 20th century, fueled by economic hardship, political instability, and cultural factors. The Great Depression, weak civilian governments, and state-promoted ideologies of national superiority set the stage for radical change.

The military's growing influence in politics, coupled with ultranationalist ideologies, eroded Japan's democracy. Expansionist policies, emperor worship, and the suppression of dissent transformed the nation, leading to aggressive territorial expansion and eventual war.

Rise of Militarism and Ultranationalism in Japan

Factors in Japanese militarism rise

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• Economic factors
  • Great Depression severely impacted Japan's export-oriented economy led to widespread unemployment and social unrest
  • Rural poverty and agrarian crisis forced many farmers into tenancy or urban migration (tenant farmers increased to 70% of rural population)
• Political instability
  • Weak civilian governments struggled to address economic and social issues effectively
  • Frequent changes in leadership undermined policy continuity (26 prime ministers between 1918-1945)
• Cultural and ideological factors
  • State Shinto and emperor worship promoted idea of divine right to rule and national superiority
  • Bushido code and samurai traditions glorified martial values and self-sacrifice for the nation
• International context
  • Perceived threats from Western powers fueled nationalist sentiments (Washington Naval Treaty 1922)
  • Desire for colonial expansion driven by resource scarcity and population pressures
• Education system
  • Emphasis on nationalist indoctrination through textbooks and curricula
  • Glorification of military service instilled in youth from early age (military drills in schools)
• Media influence
  • Censorship and propaganda controlled public discourse (Peace Preservation Law 1925)
  • Promotion of ultranationalist ideals through state-controlled media outlets (NHK founded 1926)

Military's role in Japanese politics

• Constitutional ambiguity
  • Direct access to emperor by military leaders bypassed civilian government oversight
  • Independence from civilian control allowed military to pursue own agenda
• Military factions
  • Imperial Way Faction (Kōdōha) advocated for radical, immediate action
  • Control Faction (Tōseiha) favored gradual military expansion and modernization
• Political assassinations
  • May 15 Incident (1932) Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi assassinated
  • February 26 Incident (1936) failed coup attempt by young army officers
• Cabinet influence
  • Military ministers in civilian governments wielded significant power
  • Veto power over cabinet formation allowed military to shape government policy
• Policy direction
  • Expansionist foreign policy pursued aggressively (Manchuria Incident 1931)
  • Increased military budgets prioritized over social welfare programs
• Creation of puppet state
  • Establishment of Manchukuo (1932) as Japanese-controlled territory in Northeast China

Ideological roots of Japanese ultranationalism

• Kokutai (national polity) concept
  • Emperor as divine figurehead central to national identity
  • Unique Japanese spirit and racial superiority emphasized (Yamato race)
• Pan-Asianism
  • Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere envisioned Japanese-led Asian bloc
  • Anti-Western imperialism rhetoric used to justify Japanese expansion
• Expansionist doctrine
  • Hakko Ichiu (eight corners under one roof) justified global Japanese influence
  • Manifest destiny in Asia promoted idea of Japanese leadership role
• Militaristic education
  • Indoctrination in schools through nationalist textbooks and curricula
  • Youth organizations fostered militaristic values (Imperial Youth Federation)
• Religious nationalism
  • State Shinto as official ideology blended religion with nationalism
  • Emperor worship and national unity promoted as core values
• Foreign policy implications
  • Withdrawal from League of Nations (1933) after Manchuria Incident condemnation
  • Aggressive territorial expansion in Asia (Second Sino-Japanese War 1937)

Erosion of democracy in Japan

• Weakening of party politics
  • Decline of the Taisho Democracy marked shift towards authoritarianism
  • Rise of extra-constitutional bodies undermined elected government authority
• Legal restrictions
  • Peace Preservation Law (1925) suppressed political dissent
  • Thought control laws limited freedom of expression and assembly
• Suppression of leftist movements
  • Communist Party ban effectively eliminated organized opposition
  • Labor union restrictions weakened workers' rights and collective bargaining
• Media control
  • Censorship of newspapers and publications limited public access to information
  • Propaganda and information manipulation shaped public opinion
• Educational reforms
  • Emphasis on emperor-centered nationalism in curriculum
  • Suppression of liberal educators who opposed militaristic ideology
• Intimidation tactics
  • Right-wing vigilante groups used violence against political opponents
  • Assassination of political opponents created climate of fear (Takahashi Korekiyo 1936)
• Centralization of power
  • National Mobilization Law (1938) gave government sweeping wartime powers
  • Creation of Imperial Rule Assistance Association (1940) consolidated one-party rule