American-Japanese Relations and Post WWII Japan
The Origin of the Nature of the Occupation of Japan
Christopher Watt
Word Count: 4 370
Page 1 of 17
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the great help and support of Julius Mok, Cary Jin and James Bott for aiding the footnoting process and tirelessly proof reading my 'works-in-progress '. Also Harrison
Jones and Joseph McDonald must be thanked for their 'critical ' feedback that created the piece hereafter. Furthermore, the Extended Investigation Class of 2013 at Haileybury College and Dr.
Andrew Viney for further support and formation of key argumentative aspects.
Page 2 of 17
Abstract
My topic is to determine the nature of the United States Occupation of Japan from 1945-1951 and analyse the roots of U.S. foreign policy that shaped it. In this Extended Investigation I argue that the Occupation of Japan utilised American foreign policy from the 1930 's to serve U.S. interests, thus shaping the overall nature. The primary U.S. policies evident in the 1930 's decade that were updated and utilised by Americans during the occupation were, as follows, firstly, future financial security by creating a global capitalistic economy, focusing on an 'open-door ' policy in China. This policy is evident during the occupation when SCAP reformed and disarmed the rural feudal system to create a more competitive agricultural sector, support the zaibatsu to increase production for a
U.S. market and build a capitalistic hub in Asia. Secondly, the policy to maintain the status quo in
America 's sphere of influence, evident in the 1930 's when the U.S. opposed Japanese military involvement in Asia and the Pacific, also evident during the occupation when a post for America to protect their Asian interests was created. Finally, the third policy effecting the occupation was to maintain dominance in their Japanese relationship, as such, creating an "American Style" democratic Japan allowing for a more compatible relationship on more American terms.
Christopher Watt
Word Count: 4 370
Page 1 of 17
Acknowledgements
I would like to acknowledge the great help and support of Julius Mok, Cary Jin and James Bott for aiding the footnoting process and tirelessly proof reading my 'works-in-progress '. Also Harrison
Jones and Joseph McDonald must be thanked for their 'critical ' feedback that created the piece hereafter. Furthermore, the Extended Investigation Class of 2013 at Haileybury College and Dr.
Andrew Viney for further support and formation of key argumentative aspects.
Page 2 of 17
Abstract
My topic is to determine the nature of the United States Occupation of Japan from 1945-1951 and analyse the roots of U.S. foreign policy that shaped it. In this Extended Investigation I argue that the Occupation of Japan utilised American foreign policy from the 1930 's to serve U.S. interests, thus shaping the overall nature. The primary U.S. policies evident in the 1930 's decade that were updated and utilised by Americans during the occupation were, as follows, firstly, future financial security by creating a global capitalistic economy, focusing on an 'open-door ' policy in China. This policy is evident during the occupation when SCAP reformed and disarmed the rural feudal system to create a more competitive agricultural sector, support the zaibatsu to increase production for a
U.S. market and build a capitalistic hub in Asia. Secondly, the policy to maintain the status quo in
America 's sphere of influence, evident in the 1930 's when the U.S. opposed Japanese military involvement in Asia and the Pacific, also evident during the occupation when a post for America to protect their Asian interests was created. Finally, the third policy effecting the occupation was to maintain dominance in their Japanese relationship, as such, creating an "American Style" democratic Japan allowing for a more compatible relationship on more American terms.
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