WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Kwantung Army, which occupied the Kwantung (Liaotung) Peninsula and patrolled the South Manchurian Railway zone, included officers who were keenly aware of Japan’s continental interests and were prepared to take steps to further them.

Detailed explanation-2: -The views of hard-line militarists became increasingly influential in shaping Japan’s foreign policy during the 1930s, and they used intimidation and assassination of moderate politicians, bureaucrats and armed service leaders as means to achieve their aims.

Detailed explanation-3: -By the late 1930s, Japanese militarists had near-full control of government decisions.

Detailed explanation-4: -Tojo became the leader of the militarists in Japan and despised what he considered to be weak civilian politicians. His views were shared by many in the public and in the 1930’s the army and all it represented was held in much greater esteem that politicians in general.

Detailed explanation-5: -Rise of militarism The early Meiji government viewed Japan as threatened by western imperialism, and one of the prime motivations for the Fukoku Kyohei policy was to strengthen Japan’s economic and industrial foundations, so that a strong military could be built to defend Japan against outside powers.