Introduction: The Era When History Became "For Everyone"
Hello there! How is your study of Comprehensive History going? You might be thinking, "Isn't history just about memorizing the names of famous people from the past?" Actually, the chapter we're studying today, "Mass Culture and Us," is incredibly relevant and interesting because it’s deeply connected to our lives today.
In this chapter, we’ll look at how, following World War I, the protagonists of society shifted from "a handful of wealthy elites and leaders" to "ordinary people (the masses)." The "roots" of our current lifestyle—where we get information on our smartphones and enjoy shopping on our days off—began right here. It might feel a bit tricky at first, but don't worry. Let's focus on the key points together!
1. What exactly does "Mass Culture" mean?
To put it simply, "mass culture" refers to a time when "everyone began to enjoy a similar lifestyle and participate in politics and society."
Around the end of World War I, many factories and companies were established in cities. To work in these places, many people moved from rural villages to urban areas.
New Jobs and Lifestyles
A new type of person emerged working in the cities:
- Salarymen: People who worked for companies and received a salary. The style of wearing a suit and commuting by train became standard.
- Career Women: Women who entered the workforce in roles such as typists or telephone operators.
- Modern Girls and Modern Boys (Moga and Mobo): Young people who enjoyed the latest fashions, such as Western-style clothing and bobbed hair.
【Key Point】
Previously, "family background" and "social status" were what mattered most, but starting in this era, a sentiment that valued "individual preferences" and "a life of freedom" began to grow.
2. The Development of Media and "Shared Information"
To create a state where "everyone knows the same things," tools to convey information are necessary. This is mass media.
The Arrival of Radio and Magazines
Radio broadcasting began in 1925 (Taisho 14). Until then, news and entertainment were limited to "text" in media like newspapers, but now, it could be delivered to the entire nation in real-time through "sound." This had an impact comparable to the spread of SNS and YouTube today!
- Enpon (One-Yen Books): Complete collections sold for just one yen (which was cheap at the time!) became explosive hits, spreading knowledge to ordinary people.
- General Interest Magazines: Magazines like Chuo Koron and Kaizo became widely read, covering everything from complex social issues to entertainment.
【Trivia】
While one yen back then would be worth a few thousand yen today, books used to be extremely expensive, so being able to buy a book for just one yen was a groundbreaking event.
3. The Power of "Everyone" Participating in Politics
As society became more affluent, voices demanding that "our opinions be reflected in politics" grew louder. This was the flow of "Taisho Democracy."
The Enactment of the Universal Manhood Suffrage Act (1925)
Finally, in 1925, the Universal Manhood Suffrage Act was passed. This granted the right to vote to all men aged 25 and older. The biggest point is that they could now vote regardless of the "amount of taxes paid."
【Common Mistake】
It did not include "all citizens"! At this time, women still did not have the right to vote. Women would not gain the right to vote until after World War II. Be careful, as this is a frequent test question!
The Carrot and the Stick: The Peace Preservation Law
The government, fearing the rise of free speech, also passed the Peace Preservation Law in that same year, 1925.
- Universal Manhood Suffrage Act (The Carrot): Allowing everyone to vote.
- Peace Preservation Law (The Stick): But, arresting people who denied the Imperial system or held ideas like socialism that did not recognize private property.
4. Movements to Improve Society
As mass culture progressed, those in weaker positions also began to unite to protect their rights.
- Labor Movements: Factory workers formed unions to demand shorter working hours and higher wages.
- Tenant Disputes: In rural areas, tenant farmers who rented land demanded lower rent (tenant fees) from landlords.
- Women's Liberation Movements: Raicho Hiratsuka, Fusae Ichikawa, and others stood up to demand the improvement of women's status and suffrage.
- Buraku Liberation Movement: The National Levelers Association (Zenkoku Suiheisha) was formed in 1922, and the fight to eliminate discrimination began in earnest.
【Memorization Tip: Famous Quote by Raicho Hiratsuka】
She is famous for the phrase, "In the beginning, woman was the sun." It’s a message about reclaiming the brilliance that women naturally possessed.
5. A Culture of Leisure and Consumer Society
Department stores were built in cities, and people began to enjoy shopping while window-shopping. Subways opened, and Western-style houses known as "Culture Houses" were built in the suburbs.
【Connection to Us】
Going to a large shopping mall on a day off, watching a movie, and chatting at a café... The prototype of this lifestyle, which we think of as normal, was perfected during this era.
Summary: Reflecting on this Chapter
Finally, let's review three key points:
- Changes in Lifestyle: With the appearance of salarymen and career women, a Western-style, mass-oriented culture spread, centered in cities.
- The Power of Media: Through radio and magazines, society became a "mass society" where people nationwide shared the same information.
- Politics and Social Movements: While the Universal Manhood Suffrage Act (1925) advanced male political participation, the Peace Preservation Law tightened regulations. Women, farmers, and people in discriminated communities also mobilized to demand their rights.
This era was a mix of a hopeful, "free" atmosphere and the "authoritarian" atmosphere that would eventually lead to war. If you think about it by comparing it to your own life today, you'll surely understand it on a deeper level!
Great work! Let's keep moving forward, one step at a time.