Japan's Involvement In World War II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Japan's Involvement In World War II - Essay Example Japan restored the emperor during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. There was a widespread belief that the emperor was divine and strong sense in Japan of national identity built on the belief of Shintoism, of ancestor worship. During the Meiji Restoration the focus had been on transforming the nation that could compete with west. Lingering memories of Commodore Perry's entry into Japanese waters in 1853 forcing the surrender of the Shogun left a scar on Japan's national consciousness. The emphasis in the years that came were on transforming Japan into a modern nation state with a diversified economy that would not be further humiliated. During the 1920's under the guidance of Liberal Political policies Japan focused on economic growth and experienced an until then unprecedented growth. This growth was curtailed by the world wide Depression late in the decade. In a reaction to the economic hardship and in part keeping with Japan's wish to rise as real world power during the 1930's the government came to be dominated by right wing and nationalist forces, dominated by a military expansionist agenda.