1929 Wall street crash happened in US leading to GD.

  • GD damaged Japans economy due to its heavy reliance on foreign trade.
  • had major political implications

Terrible unemployment + other effects of depression increased pressure on civilian politicians in Japan.

  • economic crisis convinced ultranationalist politicians + military commanders that democracy was failing as it could not solve problems for people
ResourceImport Dependency
Iron Ore89%
Oil82%
Iron / Steel72%
Machinery46%

Introduction of range of tariffs by US in 1930s to protect its economy also hurt Japans export trade badly.

  • tariffs made Japanese goods more expensive in US

These tariffs extended through 1930s and hurt Japans export trade badly.

  • US actions to impose tariffs on Japanese goods convinced ultranationalists that other countries could not be relied upon + Japan needed to be self-sufficient.