15 May 1932 → group of naval officers → from League of Blood and other activists → assassinated PM inukai Tsuyoshi.
- Inukai had angered some of the extremists by opposing the actions of the military in Manchuria.
- he refused to give official govt acceptance of the state of Manchukuo when it was announced in February 1932.
the day they killed Inukai → attackers also attacked the Mitsubishi Bank, the Seiyukai Headquarters, and several power stations - and tried to assassinate several other government officials as well.
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it was an attempted coup d etat
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they had hoped that the people would rise up to support them and overthrow Japans democratic govt.
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people did not rise up.
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league of blood activists were arrested and put on trial.
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however, military commanders did not condemn the rebellion and even issued a statement - which effectively excused the officers for their actions and demanded political reform in Japan.
although military did not spell it out precisely → they wanted control of govt.
- after talks with military leaders, Seiyukai party was prevented from forming a new cabinet even though it had the majority share of representatives in the diet.
- 26 may 1932 → emperor appointed a navy admiral as Japans new PM.
- his cabinet had 15 members - of whom just 5 were elected civilian party representatives.
- remaining 10 were military officers and govt officials.
- with majority of the cabinet made up of military officers, Japan now came under militarist rule.