So in the midst of all this Assassin's Creed gaming and classic film appreciation, I have also embarked on a major WWII phase. This is a historical event that I have always been very fascinated with and consider it to be the darkest period in human history. I often watch several WWII films and documentary series in the wintertime but this time I was recently inspired due to the Covid-19 pandemic as well as AC Unity's WWII missions. When I read or watch films pertaining to this historical era I am reminded how good we actually have it in comparison to those days.
After a couple weeks of watching my favorite WWII productions such as Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Schindler's List, Downfall, and The Pianist and some ones I hadn't seen before such as The Dirty Dozen, Bridge Too Far, and Dunkirk I came to the realization that I always gravitate to the European theater of the war. However WWII had two major theaters in Europe and the Pacific (which is now referred to as the Pacific War). I think it's commonly assumed that the Nazi's were the key antagonists of WWII and no doubt the most influential of the Axis Powers. However there can be no denying that the Japanese armies were just as ferocious and maniacal in war.
Thus in my recent efforts to expand my cultural awareness outside of Europe I am beginning a new study regarding WWII. The Pacific War is a branch of WWII that I often overlook and would like to make a deep dive into the historical context. I have planned to watch some of my favorite films pertaining to this event such as Pearl Harbor, Bridge on the River Kwai and The Pacific mini-series, as well as some films I haven't seen yet such as Empire of the Sun and The Thin Red Line. I also however would like to make a deep dive into the history of the Empire of Japan.
This post will be a study on the political rise of the Empire of Japan and their association with the Axis Powers. Just like I've done with studies on Mussolini's rise in Italy (Rise of Italian Facism) and Hitler's rise in Germany (Rise of Nazi Facism), I'd like to understand how Japan became such a totalitarian state by the 1930s. I intend to thus make a 2-part study regarding Imperial Japan, first with the establishment of the Empire of the Japan and it's military invasions, then a study on the timeline and key events of the Pacific War.
The Meiji Restoration
Now let me begin here stating that I know very little about Japanese history and culture. My general experience pertaining to Japan is sushi, Samurai Jack, and of course their involvement in World War II. I have however written once before about the history of Japan as I was quite intrigued by their incredible economic recovery post WWII (see Japan's Economic Resurgence). Japan to this day is one of the most prosperous world economies, no doubt thanks to the aid of American influence. However this is not a study of Japan's economic prowess yet rather the historical rise of Imperial Japan.
Most of my historical fascination comes from films that I watch, and when considering the Meiji Restoration the first film that comes to mind is The Last Samurai. This film depicts the rise of the Imperial government aided by America and the downfall of the ancient Samurai warriors. The movie gives a sad portrayal of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion where the honorable Samurai were defeated by the vastly superior imperial armies. However the greater takeaway from this film was the westernization and industrialization Japan had embarked on due to their influence from America.
The fervor for Japanese reform had begun throughout the 1850s with fears that if they did not modernize they would soon become a colony of China or Russia. In an effort to strengthen their economy Japan underwent a major government renovation which essentially restored an imperial rule. In 1868 the reformation began with the Charter Oath that declared Emperor Meiji as the new ruler of Japan. The Boshin War of 1868-1869 brought an abrupt end to the shogunate government and was replaced by the new imperial court. The newly established imperial government was more-so a symbolic gesture, while the real intention was a rapid boom of industrialization. This was successfully achieved thru new business partnerships with America. It was this point that Japan became the nation it is today with it's iconic "red sun" flag and their "yen" currency.
Meija Era of Modernization
In just 25 years Japan had quickly arisen as one of the top economies in the world and a new power in East Asia. The social order also underwent a major change, driven by the government's propaganda a new culture of westernization changed many of Japan's old customs. The greatest affected by this social change was the samurai noble classes who sought to restore the traditional heritage of Japan however were eventually ousted by the modernized imperial armies. Every aspect of Japanese culture was westernized during this era from their economy, military, education, fashion, arts, politics, and so forth.
By the turn of the 20th century the Empire of Japan was prepared to declare their military superiority in the region of Eastern Asia. The first of these military disputes began in 1894 with the 1st Sino-Japanese War. This war was waged by the Japanese armies against the Chinese Qing Dynasty for influence over the Korea peninsula. Within a year the modern Japanese army was able to easily defeat the Chinese army and gain control of Korea. Several years later the Qing Dynasty suffered another devastating military defeat at the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 at the hands of an alliance of western powers including Japan. These humiliating defeats eventually gave way to the downfall of the Qing Dyansty and the Xinhai Revolution of China in 1911.
While China underwent political disorder, Japan continued to thrive in eastern Asia. However their recent surge in global power did not go unnoticed most so by their neighbors to the north, the Russian Empire. By 1904 their newly acquired territory of Manchuria (in the northeastern region of China) became contested by Russia and led to the Russo-Japanese War. This became a significant victory for the Empire of Japan, that caught the world's attention as it was the first time an Asian nation had ever defeated a European nation. The Empire of Japan had become the new dominant power in Asia, while both China and Russia underwent political revolutions.
Taisho Era of Democracy
Following the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912 his son Taisho became emperor of Japan. With the onset of WWI, Japan joined their allied forces in the west against the Central Powers led by Germany. Japan declared war on Germany with a goal to further their territory in China and the Pacific. While they were able to acquire new territory and make new demands on China, things grew more complicated with the onset of the Chinese and Bolshevik Revolutions. The United States began to fear the new growth of communism in the region and began to call upon their Japanese allies to aid them in this endeavor.
During it's foreign military engagements the Empire of Japan had managed to stabilize their democratic system during this time. In the likes of most western governments, Japan had established a democratic government with political parties, a prime minister, and a body of parliament. This made it all the more clear to the world that it's newly established title of Emperor was more-so a symbolic gesture with minimal powers, no different than that of the monarchy of Britain. Part of the reason for this sudden shift of power was due to emperor Taisho often being sick. He died of a heart attack at the young age of 47 and was seceded by his son Hirohito who became Emperor Showa in 1926.
Showa Era of Military Expansionism
Now one of the biggest questions I have in regards to the Empire of Japan and it's role in WWII is why it turned against the United States. Consider that the United States played an influential role in modernizing the country and they served together as allies during WWI. However by the mid 1920s public opinion throughout Japan began to shift against the United States for various reasons. Much of this had to do with American limitations on Japanese warships in the Pacific as well as the Japanese Expulsion Act of 1924. This constant foreign intervention from the west began the seeds of a new fervor of nationalism.
The situation only intensified with the global economic collapse of the Great Depression. In the likes of many other European nations such as Italy, Germany, Spain, and the Soviet Union, Japan turned towards a totalitarian state. A new ideal of fascist militarism began to spread from influential leaders such as General Sadao Araki and the author Shumei Okawa. The new movement became known as Showa Nationalism and essentially mixed ancient Japanese customs with right wing fascist ideals. Emperor Showa was merely a figurehead observer in this sudden surge of militarism, industrialization, and expansionism.
During this time thru the use of propaganda the Japanese public underwent an extreme patriotic fervor, known as the National Spiritual Mobilization movement. The intentions of this public movement was to dominate the Asian region and glorify the land of Japan in the name of their sacred emperor. Their new targets were against capitalism and communism, mostly directed at China. They began their military aggression with an invasion of Manchuria in 1931. In 1936 Japan signed a new treaty with Nazi Germany against the ideals of Communism known as the Anti-Comintern Pact. However this agreement came into conflict when Germany signed a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union a year later.
In July of 1937 the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred as a minor battle between Chinese and Imperial Japanese forces. This minor confrontation was considered the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War by which Japan invaded China shortly after. It also often considered a start to WWII (rather than the Nazi's invasion of Germany two years later) since the Sino-Japenese War became merged with WWII. In 1940 Japan signed the Triparte Pact with Germany and Italy to establish the Axis Powers and thus establish a new order. This new alliance was in opposition to the western capitalist powers such as the United States, Britain, and France; as well as the communist powers such as China and the Soviet Union. A year later in 1941 at the urging of Germany, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor as a preemptive strike. Thus began a two front war for Japan against China on their eastern front and against the United States on their western front in the Pacific.
After a couple weeks of watching my favorite WWII productions such as Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Schindler's List, Downfall, and The Pianist and some ones I hadn't seen before such as The Dirty Dozen, Bridge Too Far, and Dunkirk I came to the realization that I always gravitate to the European theater of the war. However WWII had two major theaters in Europe and the Pacific (which is now referred to as the Pacific War). I think it's commonly assumed that the Nazi's were the key antagonists of WWII and no doubt the most influential of the Axis Powers. However there can be no denying that the Japanese armies were just as ferocious and maniacal in war.Thus in my recent efforts to expand my cultural awareness outside of Europe I am beginning a new study regarding WWII. The Pacific War is a branch of WWII that I often overlook and would like to make a deep dive into the historical context. I have planned to watch some of my favorite films pertaining to this event such as Pearl Harbor, Bridge on the River Kwai and The Pacific mini-series, as well as some films I haven't seen yet such as Empire of the Sun and The Thin Red Line. I also however would like to make a deep dive into the history of the Empire of Japan.
This post will be a study on the political rise of the Empire of Japan and their association with the Axis Powers. Just like I've done with studies on Mussolini's rise in Italy (Rise of Italian Facism) and Hitler's rise in Germany (Rise of Nazi Facism), I'd like to understand how Japan became such a totalitarian state by the 1930s. I intend to thus make a 2-part study regarding Imperial Japan, first with the establishment of the Empire of the Japan and it's military invasions, then a study on the timeline and key events of the Pacific War.
The Meiji Restoration
Now let me begin here stating that I know very little about Japanese history and culture. My general experience pertaining to Japan is sushi, Samurai Jack, and of course their involvement in World War II. I have however written once before about the history of Japan as I was quite intrigued by their incredible economic recovery post WWII (see Japan's Economic Resurgence). Japan to this day is one of the most prosperous world economies, no doubt thanks to the aid of American influence. However this is not a study of Japan's economic prowess yet rather the historical rise of Imperial Japan.Most of my historical fascination comes from films that I watch, and when considering the Meiji Restoration the first film that comes to mind is The Last Samurai. This film depicts the rise of the Imperial government aided by America and the downfall of the ancient Samurai warriors. The movie gives a sad portrayal of the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion where the honorable Samurai were defeated by the vastly superior imperial armies. However the greater takeaway from this film was the westernization and industrialization Japan had embarked on due to their influence from America.
Meija Era of Modernization
In just 25 years Japan had quickly arisen as one of the top economies in the world and a new power in East Asia. The social order also underwent a major change, driven by the government's propaganda a new culture of westernization changed many of Japan's old customs. The greatest affected by this social change was the samurai noble classes who sought to restore the traditional heritage of Japan however were eventually ousted by the modernized imperial armies. Every aspect of Japanese culture was westernized during this era from their economy, military, education, fashion, arts, politics, and so forth.
By the turn of the 20th century the Empire of Japan was prepared to declare their military superiority in the region of Eastern Asia. The first of these military disputes began in 1894 with the 1st Sino-Japanese War. This war was waged by the Japanese armies against the Chinese Qing Dynasty for influence over the Korea peninsula. Within a year the modern Japanese army was able to easily defeat the Chinese army and gain control of Korea. Several years later the Qing Dynasty suffered another devastating military defeat at the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 at the hands of an alliance of western powers including Japan. These humiliating defeats eventually gave way to the downfall of the Qing Dyansty and the Xinhai Revolution of China in 1911.While China underwent political disorder, Japan continued to thrive in eastern Asia. However their recent surge in global power did not go unnoticed most so by their neighbors to the north, the Russian Empire. By 1904 their newly acquired territory of Manchuria (in the northeastern region of China) became contested by Russia and led to the Russo-Japanese War. This became a significant victory for the Empire of Japan, that caught the world's attention as it was the first time an Asian nation had ever defeated a European nation. The Empire of Japan had become the new dominant power in Asia, while both China and Russia underwent political revolutions.
Taisho Era of Democracy
Following the death of Emperor Meiji in 1912 his son Taisho became emperor of Japan. With the onset of WWI, Japan joined their allied forces in the west against the Central Powers led by Germany. Japan declared war on Germany with a goal to further their territory in China and the Pacific. While they were able to acquire new territory and make new demands on China, things grew more complicated with the onset of the Chinese and Bolshevik Revolutions. The United States began to fear the new growth of communism in the region and began to call upon their Japanese allies to aid them in this endeavor.During it's foreign military engagements the Empire of Japan had managed to stabilize their democratic system during this time. In the likes of most western governments, Japan had established a democratic government with political parties, a prime minister, and a body of parliament. This made it all the more clear to the world that it's newly established title of Emperor was more-so a symbolic gesture with minimal powers, no different than that of the monarchy of Britain. Part of the reason for this sudden shift of power was due to emperor Taisho often being sick. He died of a heart attack at the young age of 47 and was seceded by his son Hirohito who became Emperor Showa in 1926.
Showa Era of Military Expansionism
Now one of the biggest questions I have in regards to the Empire of Japan and it's role in WWII is why it turned against the United States. Consider that the United States played an influential role in modernizing the country and they served together as allies during WWI. However by the mid 1920s public opinion throughout Japan began to shift against the United States for various reasons. Much of this had to do with American limitations on Japanese warships in the Pacific as well as the Japanese Expulsion Act of 1924. This constant foreign intervention from the west began the seeds of a new fervor of nationalism.The situation only intensified with the global economic collapse of the Great Depression. In the likes of many other European nations such as Italy, Germany, Spain, and the Soviet Union, Japan turned towards a totalitarian state. A new ideal of fascist militarism began to spread from influential leaders such as General Sadao Araki and the author Shumei Okawa. The new movement became known as Showa Nationalism and essentially mixed ancient Japanese customs with right wing fascist ideals. Emperor Showa was merely a figurehead observer in this sudden surge of militarism, industrialization, and expansionism.
During this time thru the use of propaganda the Japanese public underwent an extreme patriotic fervor, known as the National Spiritual Mobilization movement. The intentions of this public movement was to dominate the Asian region and glorify the land of Japan in the name of their sacred emperor. Their new targets were against capitalism and communism, mostly directed at China. They began their military aggression with an invasion of Manchuria in 1931. In 1936 Japan signed a new treaty with Nazi Germany against the ideals of Communism known as the Anti-Comintern Pact. However this agreement came into conflict when Germany signed a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union a year later.In July of 1937 the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred as a minor battle between Chinese and Imperial Japanese forces. This minor confrontation was considered the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War by which Japan invaded China shortly after. It also often considered a start to WWII (rather than the Nazi's invasion of Germany two years later) since the Sino-Japenese War became merged with WWII. In 1940 Japan signed the Triparte Pact with Germany and Italy to establish the Axis Powers and thus establish a new order. This new alliance was in opposition to the western capitalist powers such as the United States, Britain, and France; as well as the communist powers such as China and the Soviet Union. A year later in 1941 at the urging of Germany, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor as a preemptive strike. Thus began a two front war for Japan against China on their eastern front and against the United States on their western front in the Pacific.
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