How did the Great Depression affect politics in Japan?
a) When inflation rose, wealthy capitalists formed a right-wing political party that won control in Parliament and began to lower interest rates.
b) When exports fell and the economy declined, military leaders overthrew the government and began a campaign of imperialism.
c) When farmers defaulted on their loans, socialist forces in Parliament gained a majority and passed debt-relief legislation.
d) When unemployment increased, a worker revolt overthrew the government and instituted a Communist regime.
its b
The correct answer is b) When exports fell and the economy declined, military leaders overthrew the government and began a campaign of imperialism.
During the Great Depression, Japan, like many other countries, experienced a severe economic downturn. The Japanese economy heavily relied on exports, particularly in the textile and heavy industry sectors. However, with a decline in global trade and a decrease in foreign demand for Japanese goods, Japan's export-dependent economy suffered greatly.
The economic hardships and social unrest caused by the Great Depression had a significant impact on Japanese politics. In a response to the economic crisis, military leaders and ultranationalists in Japan saw an opportunity to address the nation's economic problems and regain national strength through imperialistic expansion.
As exports fell, these military leaders seized power and overthrew the civilian government in Japan. They believed that by taking control of neighboring territories and exploiting their resources, they could alleviate the economic crisis and build a self-sufficient and prosperous Japan.
Under this new military regime, Japan embarked on a campaign of imperialism and aggressive expansion in East Asia, starting with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. This expansionist policy eventually led Japan to become involved in World War II.
Therefore, option b) is the correct answer, as the Great Depression in Japan served as a catalyst for the militarization of the government and its pursuit of an imperialistic agenda.