🌸 Welcome, dear history enthusiast! Dive into the world of early 20th-century Japan, where modernization, political power struggles, and war ambitions shaped the Taishō era.

• Meiji era ends with the death of Emperor Meiji.
• His son, Prince Yoshihito, becomes Emperor Taishō (Taishō era = "the era of great righteousness").
• Japan appears modern with a constitution, democracy, and a strong army, but... plot twist!
• Underneath, Japan remains traditional - power lies with the emperor and his advisors.
• Freedom of expression is limited; socialism and gender equality get a big "no-no."

• Just as WWI breaks out in Europe, Japan declares war on Germany.
• Why? Japan had a 1902 alliance with Britain (although Britain wasn't attacked by two powers, so it wasn't strictly necessary).
• Japan's motive: seize German-leased territory in China's Shandong province.
• Japanese army quickly surrounds the German port of Tsingtao, which surrenders after a two-month siege.
• German colonies in the Pacific also surrender with few casualties.
• Japan doesn't send troops to Europe, but sends some destroyers as convoy escorts in the Mediterranean.

• Japan wants to take advantage of China's weakness (warlordism, weak central government).
• Japan demands
  • Transfer of German interests in China to Japan
  • Recognition of Japanese interests in Manchuria
  • Increased role in China's administration and policing
• American and British support helps China resist some of the demands, but territorial demands are conceded.
• This move backfires on Japan - arouses Chinese nationalism and makes the US suspicious of Japan's intentions in China.