The Impact of World War One and the Paris Peace Treaties

Taisho Democracy: the growth of liberal values and the two party system

Reasons for the rise of militarism and extreme nationalism: increasing influence of the army in politics: political coups and assassinations

Invasions of Manchuria and China and impact on relations with the West; Tripartite pact and US embargo

Japan and the Pacific War; decision to attack Pearl Harbour; initial success and reasons for defeat

The US occupation; social, political and cultural changes; the reverse course (1950)

Reasons for Japan’s economic miracle; social, cultural and economic impact of globalisation.