The document discusses the rise of fascism in Japan in the early 20th century. It outlines several factors that contributed to the growth of fascist ideas in Japan, including the failure of democracy to solve economic problems, corruption, and restrictions on Japanese power from foreign treaties. The document also examines external factors like American expansionism in Asia, immigration laws targeting Japanese people, and a resurgent Chinese nationalism, which threatened Japan's ambitions and further pushed the country towards militarism and fascism.

1. Fascist - Japan

2. What is fascist?? It means ‘repressive’ A group of people that is nationalistic, anti-Communist and authoritarian

3. Beginning of Fascism Fascist Movement in 1919 Benito Mussolini

4. Mussolini’s argument Democracy was bad for Italy because Ineffective Inefficient E.g. Italy's democratically elected leaders were too weak to stop widespread unemployment and inflation Threats from Communists

5. His argument for Fascism Nation first under Fascism Democracy was inefficient because it limited the power of the nation and placed power in the people’s hand. Nation should grow strong and expand

6. Impact of Mussolini’s argument Young men and WWI veterans were drawn to Fascist ideas Glamourised action and violence Power and violence was the only way to get what they want Sense of belonging Spread to many parts of the world. E.g. Japan

7. The failure of the democratic government in Japan The Diet’s limited power Corruption Failed to solve economic problems Farmers’ difficult living conditions Workers’ difficult working conditions Trade imbalance Great Depression 1929

8. The Diet’s structure (Parliament) Emperor Prime Minister A cabinet of ministers Chosen by emperor The Army and Navy minister (veto power over emperor)

9. Members of Diet (Members of Parliament) 2 chambers House of Peers Imperial family, nobles Nominated by Emperor House of Representative Elected by Japanese citizens Emperor reserved the right to dissolve the House

10. Problems with Diet Did not have the power to make decisions or policies Only question the decisions of the Cabinet Ministers Lack democratic control the nation’s budget E.g. Japanese Army’s budget

11. Corruption damaged democracy’s reputation Democractic leaders looked to zaibatsus to sponsor their election campaigns Zaibatsus became very powerful Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo and Yasuda Close ties led to rumours

12. The Zaibatsu system Zaibatsu Provided for campaigns Expected to be placed at the top priority The way of the samurai. Relationship of the master and servant

13. Democratic leaders failed to solve economic problems Farmers’ difficult living conditions Workers’ difficult working conditions Trade imbalance Great Depression 1929

14. Trade imbalance Import > Export

15. The Great Depression or Wall Street Crash in 1929

16. Japan during the Great Depression or the Wall Street Crash The crash in Wall Street lead to economic problems in Japan because people no longer wanted Japanese goods E.g. Silk prices fell by 20% in 1932 Lesson : Do not depend on the west

17. What led to the rise of Fascism in Japan? (External Factors) American expansion in the Asia Pacific region Paris Peace Conference Washington Naval Conference London Disarmament Conference Immigration laws in the USA Resurgence of Chinese nationalism

18. American expansion in the Asia-Pacific region Japan plans to control the region Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to American trade E.g. Hawaii and the Philippines Japanese militarists believed that American was trying to take control Asia-Pacific’s economy and military power

19. The 3 treaties What were the 3 treaties about?

20. 3 treaties Paris Peace Conference 1919 Japan requested that LON recognise that all races were equal – REJECTED Washington Naval Conference 1921 – 1922 Felt that it was unfair Attempt to restrict Japanese power

21. London Disarmament Conference 1930 Prime Minister Hamaguchi Osachi and his foreign minister Shidehara Kijuro Wanted to reduce naval arms with Britain and USA Wanted to improve ties with China The Army accused Hamaguchi and his foreign minister of betraying Japan and being too ‘soft’ in handling the West and China

22. Immigration laws in USA in the mid 1920s USA tried to prevent Asian immigration Isolation and protectionist policy All Asian immigrants (except Filipinos) Immigrants cannot be a USA citizens even if Lived in USA for a long time Marry Caucasians California Alien Law in 1913

23. Impact of USA’s immigration law Angered Japanese Sign as the Americans considered the Japanese as inferior Many Japanese turned away from USA, democracy Want to support an expansion of Japan’s empire

25. Resurgence of Chinese nationalism 1894 – Japan took advantage of China’s weakness Qing Dynasty Last Emperor When Qing Dynasty fell, Chinese warlords took over in 1911 Kuomintang and Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

27. China’s civil war Kuomintang – Chiang Kai Shek CCP - Mao Zedong Chiang tried to unite China after the fall of the Qing These struggles kept China weak

28. In 1927, KMT and CCP joined forces to fight the warlords and Chiang led the united army He gained full control of China The Chinese demanded an end to all ‘special concession’ to Westerners Strikes against Japanese good

29. Impact of China’s civil war on Japan Japanese Army (Kwantung Army) realised that a strong and united Chinese government would prevent Japan from expanding Kwantung Army stationed in Manchuria proposed to occupy Manchuria before anti Japanese feelings became too strong They urged Japanese to support military action

31. “ USA’s treatment of Asia was the main reason for the rise of Fascism in Japan.” How far do you agree with the statement?