- Tensions between Civilian politicians and military leaders would worsen → as ultranationalist military commanders → grew in prominence + influence Japans politics through military victories in the early 1900s against China and Russia.
Many Japanese military commanders → were ultranationalists.
- they also believed that → military service was an honour and a noble calling
- Many Japanese officers → felt that it was Japans destiny to → remove the western powers from Asia + expand its rule over Asia
Such beliefs → would become extremely popular in Japan → esp. after annexation of Manchuria.
- On other hand → Civilian politicians increasingly lost trust of the people → who perceived them to be weak. During 1930s → military became increasingly dominant → and by 1936 → it was running Japan.