1949-1955: Reconstruction of Post War Japan Flashcards
(27 cards)
What was the 3 phases in Japan
- Control and punishment 1945-1947
- Reverse course c1947-1950
- Treaties and rearmament 1950-1952
What was the occupation arrangements for Post war Japan
US in command. JP under control of US army.
MacArthur in charge of SCAP.
When did the USA occupy Japan
From 1945-1952
What was USA’s key priority in relation to Japan 1945-1947
Control and punishment
Introduce a liberal democracy
Business leaders tied to Imperial JP stripped of power
Had to change JP mindset
Rebuild transportation, industry, infrastructure and business
What punishments did JP face in Tokyo
Reparations + Military figures and supporters ousted from power
How was JP disarmed during 1945-1947
SCAP dismantled the JP army and banned former military officers from taking roles in the new government
What political reform happened in JP 1945-1947
Military figures and supporters ousted from power and a new constitution introduced
When was the MacArthur Constitution
From 1946 onwards, in effect in 1947
What was the MacArthur Constitution
Restrained power of constitutional monarchy
Created a two-house parliament called Diet
Constitution included a Bill of Rights
Helped disperse power and make JP more democratic
Emperor remained symbol but stripped of his power
Japan could not use land, sea or air forces to settle international disputes. In turn disarmament
What economic reform happened in JP 1945-1947
Encouraged land reforms, trade unions and workers’ rights. Broke up zaibatsu and encouraged free market capitalism.
What was the US key priority in the reverse course JP
Change JP from democratic to economically viable so can combat Communism
What events caused the reverse course in JP
Fear of USSR communism
Rise of Mao and CCP
North/South split in Korea
Southeast Asia tensions
Soviet expansion Eastern Europe
Domestic factors
Occupation = expansion
Growing critical of Truman administration
Who was the Dodge and his relation to Japan
Was appointed as economic adviser to SCAP to help JP become more economically viable and provide economic stabilisation
Helped create the Super Balanced Budget
What was the Super Balanced Budget
Aim to bring lasting economic recovery in Japan. They would monitor government income and expenditure. Ensuring there was always a surplus for another economic cushion.
Impact of the Super Balanced Budget
Created 157 million yen but increased unemployment as businesses closed as the JP government spent less money.
What was GATT
The General Agreements on Tariff and Trade
Why was GATT created
After WW2 to increase international trade
Why did JP join GATT
Told by the US JP wanted to be linked to the West.
Impact of JP joining GATT
Stronger access to West but prevented trade with China 1950
When does USA occupation of JP end
28th April 1952
What two treaties were signed in regards to Japan
San Francisco Peace Treaty, September 1951
US-Japan Security Treaty
What was unusual about the San Francisco Peace Treaty
It allowed Japan to do whatever and was not a typical treaty. There was no reparations or responsibilities for the war
Who refused to sign the San Francisco Peace Treaty and why
The USSR as it did not punish JP.
The treaty also helped US combat communism
What did the San Francisco Peace Treaty do
Recognised sovereignty of Japan. Forced JP to renounce claims of neighbouring territories
