Japans main classification of change in the 1930s was political, and in order to understand the sudden causation of these changes, one must first recognise the aspects that drove these changes at an earlier period. The Meiji restoration was a major contributor as it allowed the military to obtain political influence. The Great Depression arguably drove the Kwangtung Army to intervene and invade Manchuria, independent of the government. Nationalist sentiments intensified and a new group - the ultra-nationalists – brought a shift in focus. The significance of military independence and strong national views are obvious contributors to the need for change. However, internal change isn’t the only form of transformation, as sometimes external forces
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Later on, this educational change would have vastly impacted the severity of political changes in Japan. These values taught obedience not to a democratic government, but to the emperor. Since the militaristic dictatorship of the 1930's ruled under the emperor, when the Japanese militaristic government implemented programs such as strong media control and a secret police, the public did little to protest, so change was encouraged. It was not only the education system that helped political change, but also, Shintoism which provided a religious justification for nationalism and granted support for the militaristic government. Shintoism before the 1930s was primarily a nativist religion which stressed nature and harmony. But during the 1930s it became an ideological weapon teaching Japanese that they were a superior country that had a right to expand, economically, socially and politically. Japanese ultranationalist, Shūmei Ōkawa’s statement “heaven has decided on Japan as its choice for the champion of the east. Has not this been the purpose of our three thousand long years of preparation?” Provides an insight to the religious justification the Japanese government was …show more content…
"Moral training" in schools was abolished, and instruction in democratic ideas had begun. Control of education and censorship of textbooks were taken from the central government and given to local administrations. The laws giving the head of the household complete control of every family member was changed to make each family member more equal and thereby more democratic. Hirohito’s surrender broadcast was a shock to Japanese citizens. But for many people, these were only secondary concerns since they were also facing starvation and homelessness. There were different reactions from different groups of Japanese citizens. Some military offices, disheartened, committed suicide but most soldiers and civilians responded more passively, but still humiliated by the unconditional
Later on, this educational change would have vastly impacted the severity of political changes in Japan. These values taught obedience not to a democratic government, but to the emperor. Since the militaristic dictatorship of the 1930's ruled under the emperor, when the Japanese militaristic government implemented programs such as strong media control and a secret police, the public did little to protest, so change was encouraged. It was not only the education system that helped political change, but also, Shintoism which provided a religious justification for nationalism and granted support for the militaristic government. Shintoism before the 1930s was primarily a nativist religion which stressed nature and harmony. But during the 1930s it became an ideological weapon teaching Japanese that they were a superior country that had a right to expand, economically, socially and politically. Japanese ultranationalist, Shūmei Ōkawa’s statement “heaven has decided on Japan as its choice for the champion of the east. Has not this been the purpose of our three thousand long years of preparation?” Provides an insight to the religious justification the Japanese government was …show more content…
"Moral training" in schools was abolished, and instruction in democratic ideas had begun. Control of education and censorship of textbooks were taken from the central government and given to local administrations. The laws giving the head of the household complete control of every family member was changed to make each family member more equal and thereby more democratic. Hirohito’s surrender broadcast was a shock to Japanese citizens. But for many people, these were only secondary concerns since they were also facing starvation and homelessness. There were different reactions from different groups of Japanese citizens. Some military offices, disheartened, committed suicide but most soldiers and civilians responded more passively, but still humiliated by the unconditional