Post-World War II Japan

Paper Summary:

In an effort to determine the causes of Japan's economic and technological success following WWII, this paper examines Japan's history beginning with the signing of the peace treaty bringing an end to World War II and the years that followed. The paper reviews the peace treaty and what was demanded of Japan to bring an end to the war after the bombing of Nagasaki and examines the role of the U.S. in ruling post-war Japan. Furthermore, the paper assesses Japan's aggressive pursuit of its post-war reconstruction, including what industries were pursued and why, and then analyzes those factors that made it possible for Japan to recover in such a short time following the devastating war, becoming a major, global industrial power. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.

Introduction
Review and Analysis
Industrialization in Post-War Japan
Cultural and Demographic Factors
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The key points of these policies were simple and straightforward, and included the demilitarization of Japan (so that it would not again become a danger to peace); democratization, meaning that, while no particular form of government would be forced upon the Japanese, efforts would be made to develop a political system under which individual rights would be guaranteed and protected; and the establishment of an economy that could adequately support a peaceful and democratic Japan. Further, MacArthur shared the vision of a demilitarized and democratic Japan and he was well suited to the challenge. MacArthur was an outstanding administrator and possessed the leadership and charisma that appealed to the defeated Japanese. MacArthur did not tolerate any domestic nor foreign interference, and aggressively went about creating a new Japan. To this end, he encouraged an environment in which new forces could and did rise, and, where his reforms corresponded to trends that had already established in Japanese society, they served to play a critical part in Japan's recovery as a free and independent country (Winchester 1989)."

More papers on Post-World War II Japan:

• Research Paper # 40080 : "Post World War II Japan"
• Research Paper # 37452 : "Japanese Post-World War II Economic Development"
• Essay # 22900 : "The Two World Wars"

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