Japan after WWII Explain the role of the United States in the rebuilding of Japan after WWII.

Introduction Prior to WWII, Japan had taken over parts of China and Korea and other areas of Southern and Eastern Asia. WWII was fought in two main theaters: The European Theater and the Pacific Theater. So much fighting took place in Asia that many Asian countries needed to be rebuilt after the war.

Prior to WWII, Japan had taken over parts of what countries in Southern and Eastern Asia? China and Korea and other areas of Southern and Eastern Asia

How did the United States react to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor? America was very angry and shocked and the people were ready for war. We declared war in a matter of days The USA had entered WWII. December 7, 1941

Who were the Allied Forces? USA, England, Russia (USSR)

Allied Forces USA—FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) Great Britian—Churchill Soviet Union—Stalin Over 61 million died

Axis Powers Germany—Hitler Japan—Hirohito Italy—Mussolini 12 million died

In August of 1945 America dropped atomic bombs on what two Japanese cities? Hiroshima and Nagasaki

What was the name of the American general who was in charge of the U.S. army occupying Japan? General MacArthur

What were three steps that General MacArthur took to help rebuild Japan? Japan’s military was disbanded and weapons factories were closed. Government and military leaders involved in the bombings at Pearl Harbor were brought to trial and punished. A constitutional monarchy was established – the Japanese had the same rights as Americans and the emperor’s power was limited.

At the end of WWII, much of Japan’s infrastructure was gone At the end of WWII, much of Japan’s infrastructure was gone. What is infrastructure? It consists of the public systems and services of a nation. Ex. Roads, railroads, bridges, buildings, sewer systems, power lines, etc.

One of the MAIN reasons the United States occupied Japan after WWII was that The United States never wanted Japan to be a militaristic power again.

What were the goals of the United States in the effort to rebuild Japan after WWII? Rebuilding Japan’s infrastructure. Establishing a new, democratic government. Helping Japan’s economy recover.

What was America’s overall feeling about what type of country Japan needed to become after the end of WWII? U.S. leaders wanted Japan to become a peaceful nation, with a stable democratic government.

What were some of the things America helped Japan do in order to rebuild their nation? They helped rebuild the economy by rebuilding the infrastructure. In the country they helped farmers. All of the military leaders were stripped of their power.

At the end of the war Japan had to give up some territory At the end of the war Japan had to give up some territory. What did they have to give up and what did they get to keep? Give up Keep Manchuria Only home islands Formosa (Taiwan)

What is the United States – Japanese Mutual Security Pact? It prohibits the use of nuclear weapons and military attacks against the Japanese without the knowledge of the Japanese government. (A direct response to the civilian deaths caused by Hiroshima and Nagasaki.)

How long did the U.S. occupation of Japan last? It lasted from 1945-1952 – 7 years. In general the people were very comfortable with the changes that took place after WWII. The economy recovered quickly and grew.

What happened to the Japanese emperor’s power at the end of WWII? The Japanese emperor was stripped of his power and became a figurehead. The Japanese monarchy is the longest continuous monarchy in the world.

Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) Emperor Akihito Current Emperor

Japan’s Royal Family

What type of government was established in Japan after WWII? A constitutional monarchy

Describe Japan’s economy today. Today Japan has the fifth-largest economy in the world (2012). European Union United States China India