Japanese Militarism
Japanese Militarism The recent spat between Japan and China is the latest in a series of outbursts between the two nations. What started as a Chinese objection to Japanese interpretation of history especially with reference to the latter’s acts against
China during the fourth quarter of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, has now snowballed into a major controversy which could threaten the fragile relationship between them.
The current episode started simmering when the
Chinese began circulating an online petition protesting against Japan’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. A series of violent protest rallies were held in many Chinese cities. The protestors stoned vital Japanese business units as well as the Japanese embassy and consulates. Japan demanded an apology from
China for these attacks while China asked Japan to tender an apology for the wrong interpretation of history in its textbooks.
The latest spat between Japan and China is related to the former’s attitude to war-time history. The issue has brought into sharp focus the policy of Militarism pursued by Japan in the last quarter of the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century.
In this essay, we will analyse as to what exactly was the policy of Militarism? Why did Japan pursue it? What were the stimulants and the consequences of such a policy of Militarism?
Origin of Militarism
One of the most important events that dominated the last quarter of the 19th century was the rise of Japan as a great military power. The Meiji Era or the Period of Transition (1867-1894) is
considered to be the most important period in the history of modern Japan. This period saw the emergence of Japanese nationalism and its attendant Militarism. The Shogunate came to an end. Now the power, once again, came into the hands of the Emperor Motsuhito, who became the progenitor of the Meiji Restoration.
During this period of transition
China during the fourth quarter of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, has now snowballed into a major controversy which could threaten the fragile relationship between them.
The current episode started simmering when the
Chinese began circulating an online petition protesting against Japan’s bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. A series of violent protest rallies were held in many Chinese cities. The protestors stoned vital Japanese business units as well as the Japanese embassy and consulates. Japan demanded an apology from
China for these attacks while China asked Japan to tender an apology for the wrong interpretation of history in its textbooks.
The latest spat between Japan and China is related to the former’s attitude to war-time history. The issue has brought into sharp focus the policy of Militarism pursued by Japan in the last quarter of the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century.
In this essay, we will analyse as to what exactly was the policy of Militarism? Why did Japan pursue it? What were the stimulants and the consequences of such a policy of Militarism?
Origin of Militarism
One of the most important events that dominated the last quarter of the 19th century was the rise of Japan as a great military power. The Meiji Era or the Period of Transition (1867-1894) is
considered to be the most important period in the history of modern Japan. This period saw the emergence of Japanese nationalism and its attendant Militarism. The Shogunate came to an end. Now the power, once again, came into the hands of the Emperor Motsuhito, who became the progenitor of the Meiji Restoration.
During this period of transition