Hello! Let’s master the great turning points in history together
Hello! The topic we are starting today, "The Two World Wars and Japan," is a crucial era that is directly connected to our lives today. It’s a roller-coaster ride of an era: Japan stepping out onto the global stage, enjoying freedom during the Taisho Democracy, and then heading toward a tragic war. But don't worry—if you focus on the key points, you will definitely be able to understand it!
You might think, "There are so many Katakana names and events; this looks hard..." but it’s going to be okay. When you connect each event through the story of "why it happened," it will all click into place like a puzzle.
1. World War I and Changes in Japan
In 1914, World War I broke out in Europe. Even though it happened far from Japan, Japan would become deeply involved in this conflict.
Why did Japan join the war?
Japan entered the war on the side of the Allied Powers, citing the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. By attacking German bases in Asia and issuing the Twenty-One Demands to China, Japan aimed to strengthen its influence on the continent.
Economic Boom: The Wartime Boom
During the war, European countries were unable to keep up with production. Consequently, orders flooded into Japan! This is called the Wartime Boom (Taisen Keiki).
To put it into perspective: Imagine if the local stationery store had to close because of a fight, so everyone came to the store further away to buy their supplies, making that shop incredibly profitable.
During this period, "nouveaux riches" (narikin) appeared, and Japan transformed significantly from an agricultural country into an industrial one.
[Key Point] The Rice Riots (Kome Sodo)
Although the economy improved, prices (especially the price of rice) soared, making life difficult for ordinary people. Angry housewives in Toyama Prefecture raised their voices, sparking the Rice Riots. This triggered the birth of the Takashi Hara Cabinet, the first full-fledged party cabinet in Japan.
Summary of this section:
Triggered by World War I, Japan saw its economy develop (Wartime Boom), and politics began moving toward a system that reflected the voices of the people (party cabinets).
2. The Taisho Democracy and New Culture
During the Taisho period, movements seeking democracy flourished. This is known as the Taisho Democracy.
Two Important Laws (1925)
This is a "set" of knowledge that frequently appears on tests!
1. Universal Manhood Suffrage Act: Gave the right to vote to all men aged 25 and over. (*Women still did not have the right to vote.)
2. Peace Preservation Law: A strict law designed to crack down on socialist movements.
[How to remember] Think of it as a "carrot" (suffrage) and a "stick" (crackdowns) being introduced at the same time!
[Trivia] Trends of the Time
During this time, stylish young people wearing Western clothing, known as "Moga" (modern girls) and "Mobo" (modern boys), became common in cities. This was also the era when "Japanese-style Western food" like curry rice, croquettes, and omurice became popular. These are the roots of our modern eating habits!
Summary of this section:
While the rights of the people were expanding, a system was also created to suppress opinions that opposed the government.
3. The Great Depression and the Road to War
In 1929, stock prices in the U.S. crashed, triggering the Great Depression (Sekai Kyoko). This became the catalyst that shattered global peace.
Japan in a Crisis and the Manchurian Incident
As the economy worsened worldwide, Japan’s exports came to a halt. Famine struck the Tohoku region, and rural villages were devastated...
Against this backdrop, the military (the Army, etc.) thought, "Let's occupy the northeastern part of China (Manchuria) to secure resources for Japan!" and launched the Manchurian Incident in 1931.
Isolation from the International Community
The League of Nations did not recognize Japan's occupation of Manchuria. In defiance, Japan withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933. From this point on, Japan began to walk a lonely (isolated) path within the world.
[Common Mistake]
Don't confuse the "May 15 Incident" and the "February 26 Incident"!
May 15 Incident (1932): Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai was assassinated, effectively ending party politics.
February 26 Incident (1936): A coup attempt where young army officers occupied the center of Tokyo.
Following these two incidents, Japan became a country where the military held enormous influence.
Summary of this section:
Facing economic dead-ends, Japan chose the path of using force to find solutions and drifted away from the international community.
4. World War II and the Pacific War
In 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War began. The fighting dragged on, and Japan found itself increasingly backed into a corner.
From a Quagmire to the Pacific War
To end the war with China and secure resources, Japan advanced into Southeast Asia. This deepened tensions with countries like the United States, and in 1941, the Pacific War began with the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
People's Lives During Wartime
As the war intensified, people's lives were transformed.
・National Mobilization Law: The government was granted the power to freely use citizens and resources.
・Student Mobilization: Students were also sent to the battlefield.
・Group Evacuations: Children were evacuated to rural areas to escape air raids.
・Rationing System: Food and clothing could not be bought freely; they were distributed via quotas.
The Road to the End of the War
By 1945, Japan reached a state of extreme crisis.
・March: Great Tokyo Air Raid
・April–June: Battle of Okinawa (intense ground combat)
・August 6: Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima
・August 8: The Soviet Union enters the war against Japan
・August 9: Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki
Then, on August 15, 1945, Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and surrendered unconditionally.
Summary of this section:
Japan expanded its conflict in search of resources but ultimately faced defeat after suffering catastrophic damage.
Finally: Why we study this era
Studying this era might make you feel sad, wondering, "Why couldn't they have stopped the war sooner?" However, learning about the difficulties people faced back then and the mistakes that were made provides us with vital clues for creating a peaceful future.
At first, the years and event names might feel complicated, but try starting by grasping the general flow: "Economic slump → military expansion → isolation → war." Once you see the big picture, the smaller details will start to fall into place naturally! I'm cheering for you!