In Japan, as in Germany, the 1920s was a period of increased democracy and peaceful change. The Japanese government reduced the power of the military and passed laws that gave all men the right to vote. Japan legalized trade unions and allowed several diverse political parties to be established. This period ended when the Great Depression discredited Japan's civilian leaders in the
1930s. Reasserting their traditional powers, military leaders argued that expansion throughout Asia would solve Japan's economic woes and guarantee future prosperity. Throughout the 1930s, the Japanese military played a significant role in shaping Japanese civilian and military policy. Japan, however, did not become a totalitarian dictatorship. Instead, Japan continued as a constitutional monarchy headed by the emperor. As the power shifted toward military control, Japan embarked on a course of aggressive military expansionism. "In 1931, Japan attacked Manchuria, a region in northeastern China and there they established a puppet state. Japan controlled its domestic and foreign policies as well as abundant
natural resources. In 1937, Japan moved against China, gaining control over Chinese railroad links and coastal areas. Over 200,000 people died as a result of this aggression." (James & Wells, 1995, P. 29).
1930s. Reasserting their traditional powers, military leaders argued that expansion throughout Asia would solve Japan's economic woes and guarantee future prosperity. Throughout the 1930s, the Japanese military played a significant role in shaping Japanese civilian and military policy. Japan, however, did not become a totalitarian dictatorship. Instead, Japan continued as a constitutional monarchy headed by the emperor. As the power shifted toward military control, Japan embarked on a course of aggressive military expansionism. "In 1931, Japan attacked Manchuria, a region in northeastern China and there they established a puppet state. Japan controlled its domestic and foreign policies as well as abundant
natural resources. In 1937, Japan moved against China, gaining control over Chinese railroad links and coastal areas. Over 200,000 people died as a result of this aggression." (James & Wells, 1995, P. 29).