Essay Archive - Restore the Emperor Expel the Barbarians: The Causes of the Showa Restoration
Restore the Emperor Expel the Barbarians: The Causes of the Showa Restoration
Sonno joi, "Restore the Emperor and expel the Barbarians," was the
battle cry that ushered in the Showa Restoration in Japan during the
1930's.Footnote1 The Showa Restoration was a combination of Japanese nationalism,
Japanese expansionism, and Japanese militarism all carried out in the name of
the Showa Emperor, Hirohito. Unlike the Meiji Restoration, the Showa Restoration
was not a resurrection of the Emperor's powerFootnote2, instead it was aimed at
restoring Japan's prestige. During the 19....
|