What Contributed To The Rise Of Militarism In Japan? Choose Three Correct Answers.A. A Rejection Of Western InfluenceB. A Strong Central GovernmentC. A Decrease In NationalismD. A Desire For ExpansionE. A Struggling Economy

by ADMIN 224 views

The Rise of Militarism in Japan: Unpacking the Contributing Factors

Militarism in Japan, a phenomenon that dominated the country's politics and society from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, was a complex and multifaceted issue. The rise of militarism in Japan was influenced by a combination of factors, which can be broadly categorized into three main areas: economic, social, and political. In this article, we will explore the key factors that contributed to the rise of militarism in Japan, and identify the correct answers among the given options.

Economic Factors: A Struggling Economy and the Desire for Expansion

One of the primary drivers of militarism in Japan was the country's struggling economy. In the late 19th century, Japan was facing significant economic challenges, including a large trade deficit, high levels of unemployment, and a lack of natural resources. The government, led by the Meiji oligarchy, saw militarism as a means to address these economic issues by expanding Japan's territory and securing access to new markets and resources.

The desire for expansion was a key factor in the rise of militarism in Japan. Japan's leaders believed that the country needed to expand its territory to secure its economic and strategic interests. This desire for expansion led to a series of military conquests, including the invasion of Korea, China, and Southeast Asia.

Social Factors: A Strong Central Government and Nationalism

Another key factor in the rise of militarism in Japan was the country's strong central government. The Meiji oligarchy, which ruled Japan from 1868 to 1912, was a highly centralized and authoritarian government that exercised significant control over the country's politics, economy, and society. This strong central government created a fertile ground for militarism to take root, as it allowed the military to play a significant role in the country's politics and decision-making process.

Nationalism was also a key factor in the rise of militarism in Japan. The Meiji oligarchy promoted a strong sense of nationalism, which emphasized the importance of Japan's unique culture, history, and identity. This nationalism was used to justify the country's military expansion and to create a sense of unity and purpose among the Japanese people.

Political Factors: A Rejection of Western Influence

A rejection of Western influence was also a key factor in the rise of militarism in Japan. The Meiji oligarchy was deeply suspicious of Western influence and saw it as a threat to Japan's independence and sovereignty. This rejection of Western influence led to a series of policies aimed at limiting Western influence in Japan, including the restriction of foreign trade and investment, and the promotion of Japanese culture and values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise of militarism in Japan was a complex and multifaceted issue that was influenced by a combination of economic, social, and political factors. The correct answers among the given options are:

  • A strong central government
  • A desire for expansion
  • A rejection of Western influence

These factors created a fertile ground for militarism to take root in Japan, and ultimately led to the country's involvement in World War II.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 1868: The Meiji oligarchy comes to power in Japan and begins to promote a strong sense of nationalism and militarism.
  • 1871: Japan invades Korea and begins to expand its territory.
  • 1894: Japan invades China and begins to expand its territory in East Asia.
  • 1904: Japan invades Russia and begins to expand its territory in East Asia.
  • 1931: Japan invades Manchuria and begins to expand its territory in East Asia.
  • 1941: Japan invades Southeast Asia and begins to expand its territory in the Pacific.

Key Players

  • Meiji oligarchy: The group of leaders who ruled Japan from 1868 to 1912 and promoted a strong sense of nationalism and militarism.
  • Yamagata Aritomo: A Japanese general and politician who played a key role in the development of Japan's military and the promotion of nationalism.
  • Tōgō Heihachirō: A Japanese admiral who played a key role in Japan's military expansion and the development of the country's naval power.

Sources

  • Beasley, W. G. (1990). The Rise of Modern Japan. New York: St. Martin's Press.
  • Duus, P. (1995). Modern Japan. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
  • Hane, M. (2003). Modern Japan: A Historical Survey. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

Note: The sources listed above are a selection of the many books and articles that have been written on the topic of militarism in Japan. They provide a good starting point for further research and study.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Rise of Militarism in Japan

The rise of militarism in Japan is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been studied by historians and scholars for many years. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the rise of militarism in Japan.

Q: What was the main cause of the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The main cause of the rise of militarism in Japan was a combination of economic, social, and political factors. The country's struggling economy, strong central government, and rejection of Western influence all contributed to the rise of militarism.

Q: What was the role of the Meiji oligarchy in the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The Meiji oligarchy, which ruled Japan from 1868 to 1912, played a key role in the rise of militarism in Japan. They promoted a strong sense of nationalism and militarism, and used the military to expand Japan's territory and secure its economic and strategic interests.

Q: What was the significance of the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) in the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The First Sino-Japanese War was a significant event in the rise of militarism in Japan. Japan's victory in the war marked the beginning of its emergence as a major military power in East Asia, and it set the stage for Japan's further military expansion in the years that followed.

Q: What was the role of the Japanese military in the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The Japanese military played a key role in the rise of militarism in Japan. The military was used to expand Japan's territory, secure its economic and strategic interests, and promote a strong sense of nationalism and militarism.

Q: What was the impact of the Great Depression on the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The Great Depression had a significant impact on the rise of militarism in Japan. The economic crisis led to widespread poverty and unemployment, and it created a sense of desperation and frustration among the Japanese people. This created a fertile ground for militarism to take root, as many Japanese people saw the military as a means to restore Japan's economic and military power.

Q: What was the significance of the Tripartite Pact (1940) in the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The Tripartite Pact was a significant event in the rise of militarism in Japan. The pact, which was signed by Japan, Germany, and Italy, marked the beginning of Japan's alliance with the Axis powers, and it set the stage for Japan's further military expansion in the years that followed.

Q: What was the role of Emperor Hirohito in the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: Emperor Hirohito played a significant role in the rise of militarism in Japan. He was a strong supporter of the military and the nationalist movement, and he used his position to promote a strong sense of nationalism and militarism.

Q: What was the impact of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) on the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The Second Sino-Japanese War had a significant impact on the rise of militarism in Japan. The war marked the beginning of Japan's further military expansion in East Asia, and it set the stage for Japan's involvement in World War II.

Q: What was the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor (1941) in the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The attack on Pearl Harbor was a significant event in the rise of militarism in Japan. The attack, which was carried out by the Japanese military, marked the beginning of Japan's involvement in World War II, and it set the stage for Japan's further military expansion in the years that followed.

Q: What was the impact of the Allied victory in World War II on the rise of militarism in Japan?

A: The Allied victory in World War II had a significant impact on the rise of militarism in Japan. The defeat of Japan marked the end of its military expansion, and it led to the demilitarization of the country. The Allied victory also led to the occupation of Japan by the Allied powers, and it set the stage for Japan's post-war reconstruction and democratization.

Sources

  • Beasley, W. G. (1990). The Rise of Modern Japan. New York: St. Martin's Press.
  • Duus, P. (1995). Modern Japan. New York: Houghton Mifflin.
  • Hane, M. (2003). Modern Japan: A Historical Survey. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

Note: The sources listed above are a selection of the many books and articles that have been written on the topic of militarism in Japan. They provide a good starting point for further research and study.