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Shogunate System
- Shogun means general. The first of these lasted from 1185 to 1333. In this system, the emperor was supposed to have the authority. In practice, the shoguun held all the power. The Tokugawa used this system to take over Japan and have over 200 years of peace. The emperor held more of a symbolic position than political. TERM 2
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
DEFINITION 2 1582-1598, or late 16th century. He was the second of the three great unifiers of Japan. Without bloodshed, he was able to convince most of the daimyo to accept his authority. He also created a national currency to help unify the country. In the 1590's he also invaded Korea to try and expand his empire. TERM 3
Rangaku
DEFINITION 3 The term came about in the 1720's and it means Dutch learning. This term was given to Japanese males who studied Western culture, but focused on the Dutch. It started out with learning medical practices of Western culture, but soon moved to art and literature. It was the start to the westernization of Japan. TERM 4
Saigo Takamori
DEFINITION 4 Late 19th century, roughly 1828-1877. He was one of the new Japanese leaders during the Meiji Restoration. He came from the region of Satsuma and was in favor of invading Korea, but it never happened. He left the council when the invasion didn't happen. He led a major rebellion in Satsuma and when it failed, he killed himself TERM 5
Russo - Japanese War
DEFINITION 5 Took place in the early 20th century, 1904-1905. This was a conflict that grew from the rivalry between Russia and Japan over the areas of Manchuria and Korea. At the start of the war, Japan took over the important Port Arthur. At the end of the war, Japan was victorious and the Russians were humiliated. Negotiations did take place, but they were futile in effort. The Japanese chose war instead of trying to come to an agreement.
Taisho Democracy
This type of government also started in the early 20th century, 1912-1926. This coincided with the Taisho emperor, so it became known as the Taisho Democracy. It is during this time where the historians see the rise of the democratic parties in Japan. Japan was a conservative country, but the Taisho Democracy was a liberal movement that came about after the Meiji Restoration. TERM 7
Genro
DEFINITION 7 This term was first coined during the Edo period in Japan. Genro referred to the old ruling oligarchy. These men were first singled out during the Meiji Restoration. The term became more widespread during the Taisho Democracy, an important liberal movement. The Genro finally disappeared completely in the 1st year of the Second World War. TERM 8
Zaibatsu
DEFINITION 8 This term refers to a group of companies. They are large scled family controlled businesses that extend over many commercial, financial, and industrial fields. Mitsubishi is one of the best examples. The formation of these groups created a large gap between the rich and the poor. TERM 9
Kwantung Army
DEFINITION 9 It was an army group that was a part of the Imperial Japanese Army. It was developed in the early part of the 20th century. The army was largely responsible for the creation of the Japanese dominated empire of Manchukuo. The army was stationed in Manchuria. TERM 10
Manchukuo
DEFINITION 10 Originally this state was a constitutional monarchy in Manchuria, located near China. This region was seized by Japan in 1932. The cause for the invasion was the Mukden bomb that went off in September 1931. The bomb destroyed part of the South Manchurian Railway.
Reverse Course Policy
The Reverse Course Policy took place in Japan during 1948 and dealt with foreign policy. Japan would focus as the industrial engine for East Asia and a stron economy would prevent Communism from spreading. This policy ended the reign of Zaibatsu. It also stopped the formation of monopolies. TERM 17
SCAP
DEFINITION 17 The abbreviation stands for Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. This title was given to General Douglas Macarthur after the Japanese surrender. The title was given during the American occupation of Japan. Macarthur was the only person who was given this title. One important thing SCAP did was re-draft the constitution of Japan. TERM 18
Tokyo Trial
DEFINITION 18 It was a military tribunal for the Far East and it led to a sense of victimization. The emperor kept his authority. Joseph Grew convinced people that persecuting the emperor would lead to political problems. Also led to the revision of the Meiji Constitution. The trial was for the Japanese war criminals. TERM 19
Yoshida
Shigeru
DEFINITION 19 He was a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister from 1946 - 1954. His policies looked to help Japan's economic recovery and the importance of American protection during the Cold War. He helped reshape Japan's foreign policy during the Cold War with the Yoshida Doctrine. He played a critical role in postwar Japan. Tried to tell people that American occupation in Japan was a good thing TERM 20
LDP
DEFINITION 20 The birth of the LDP took place in 1955. It stands for the Liberal Democratic Party. It led into a single party dominance that lasted until 1933. Wanted to return Japan to its former glory militarily and politically. Wanted to revise the constitution to eliminate Article 9 and put the emperor as head of state.
Kishi Nobusuke
He served as Prime Minister of Japan in the late 1950's and the early 1960's. In 1957, he negotiated a treaty rivision with the United States. He opened a New Era of Japan American relations. He increased police powers to deal with public protests against the American occupation TERM 22
Ikeda Hayato
DEFINITION 22 He also served as Prime Minister of Japan in the early 1960's. He wanted patience and generosity shown to the American occupation. He wanted to increase the average income by 100% in 10 years. He was the most popular postwar cabinet member. His policies focused on economism. TERM 23
Nixon Shock
DEFINITION 23 During the early 1970's, President Nixon accomplished 2 things that shocked the world. The 1st took place in 1971 when Nixon ended the system of exchange rates with Japan. The 2nd took place in 1972 when Nixon visited China in February. This was the first visit to a Communist country by a US president since the start of the Cold War. TERM 24
Oil Shock
DEFINITION 24 In 1973, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries increased oil prices 4 times. OPEC led to the growth of knowledge intensive industries. Electronics and less fuel products were part of this revolution. Japan emerged as a technological and economic superpower.
