From Imperialism to Militarism

Hero of Militarism

Inevitably, following such great developments in military and educational sectors in Japan, war broke out. In 1895, Japan thought it better to build an empire just as its European and British powers were doing in the West. Countries targeted were Taiwan, Korea and Manchuria. After defeating both Taiwan (1895) and Korea (1910), they began exploiting them for their rice and potential to develop industries. Manchuria was invaded following the Russo-Japanese War. World War I (1914) brought about more opportunities for Japan in the rest of Asia and India. As an ally of Britain, they immediately declared war on Germany. While the West was busy fighting, they terminated all trade with the East. Japan took this chance to move into India and other Asian markets where the economy suddenly started to boom.

This boom did not last and in the 1920s, after the war ended, Europe began to trade once more with Asia and India which hit Japan badly. As well as this, the great Tokyo Yokohama earthquake in 1923 killed up to 143,000 people. This, along with a world recession, led to a severe downfall in the Japanese economy. At the same time, China strengthened its administration in Manchuria which worried Japan. Japan's Prime Minister and his party could not deal with these problems. The army took control. Japanese occupied Manchuria once more. Nationalists did not approve of the governments decision and on May 15th, 1932 the Japanese Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai was assassinated.

By 1936, Japan's army were in full control of the government. Relations between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy commenced when they signed the anti-communist pacts.