Page 76 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

DISCOVER A Brief History

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World War II
Following the end of the Taisho era, hardliner army officers
began assassinating moderates in an attempt to manipulate
Japan’s policies. These militarists believed that seizing land
from China and Russia would secure raw materials and improve
national security. By 1937, the country was embroiled in a war
with China that estranged it from the rest of the world. When
the US cut off Japan’s access to oil, Tokyo made the decision to
attack Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, in December 1941. American
bombers decimated Japanese cities in retaliation, but the
military government refused to surrender. In August 1945, the
US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the
Soviet Union entered the Pacific War. Emperor Hirohito ordered
the cabinet to sue for peace and the US occupied Japan.
An Economic Bubble
By 1952, when the American occupation finally ended, Japan
was beginning to find its feet. A new atmosphere of freedom A newspaper reporting
unleashed a creative shockwave that saw intense innovation surrender of the Japanese
in art, film, literature and architecture. The country profited in World War II

Timeline of events
1932 1941 1964
Young naval Japan enters The first
officers assassi­ World War II. journey is
nate the prime made by
minister and shinkansen
attempt a coup. (bullet train).

1933
Japan withdraws 1945
from the League
of Nations. Atomic bombs are dropped
on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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