pt6 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What major economic shift occurred in Japan from 1900 to 1930?
A: Migration from rural areas to industrial towns and cities in search of better living standards, especially after the WWI boom.
What caused social tensions in Japan’s countryside during this period?
A: The 1920 recession hurt rural people and returning veterans due to unstable jobs and rising food and silk prices.
What group benefitted during the economic shifts despite rural suffering?
A: Big business (zaibatsu) and the new middle class.
Who were the “salarymen,” and what did they represent?
A: White-collar workers employed by the zaibatsu, symbolizing the rise of the new middle class.
What political changes occurred in this period that reflected social shifts?
A: Universal male suffrage passed in 1925; anti-democratic parties tolerated; extreme Marxists were not.
How did Japan’s relationship with China change after 1895?
A: Japan gained Taiwan, Liaodong Peninsula, and rail rights—marking a shift toward continental ambitions beyond Korea.
Why did many in Japan support the establishment of Manchukuo in 1932?
A: It satisfied nationalists, resembled pan-Asianism for liberals, relieved unemployment, and aligned with Japan’s imperial goals.
What events increased Japan-China tensions?
A: The Mukden Incident (1931) and Manchukuo Incident (1932).
What ideological movement contributed to the fall of party-led government?
A: Radical Shinto ultranationalism.
How did the military’s attitude contribute to the fall of democracy?
A: Army radicalism supported authoritarianism and ignored civilian authority.
What role did the public play in this political shift?
A: The public largely supported the military and viewed democracy as ineffective.
How did violence impact party government?
A: Political terrorism and assassinations weakened democratic institutions and allowed military control.
What narrative helped justify authoritarian rule?
A: Successes in China and economic stability under military rule portrayed democracy as weak and corrupt.
