Research On The Military Policy Of Hara Takashi Cabinet

Hara Takashi has an important position in the political history of Japan. He has made important contributions to the development of political forces in Japan. Hara Takashi Cabinet is the first real political party cabinet in Japan’s history. After the Hara Takashi Cabinet is formed, Hara Takashi adjusted expansion military policy during World War I. Then he pursued the military policy of coordination.Japan became a powerful country through the development of several decades in Meiji Restoration. With the stronger power, Japan uses military expansion policy for its national interest. In the imbalanced situations in political and economical development of imperialist countries contradiction, among Japan and big powers such as Europe and the United States, led to intensified conflicts of interest. During World War I, Japan seized the opportunity of the war in Europe and pursued expansion military policy in China. The policy has not only led to resistance of Chinese people, but also intensified the suspicion of Japan from Europe and other countries. After the Hara Takashi Cabinet is formed, he pursued the military policy of coordination. The policy is a "special" military policy in Japan’s modern history. It is based on Hara Takashi’s domestic and international environment and his personal thinking. He pursues a conservative expansion policy. Although the policy is a compromise, it has a valuable significance during the rise of military forces. It eases the contradictions between Japan and USA. As for its impact, Hara Takashi’s military policy makes a positive impact on Shidehara diplomacy and peace in Asia during the 1920 s. But the essence proves that Hara Takashi represents Japan’s national interests and the policy adjusts for national and party interests. This is the limitations of Hara Takashi’s military policy.The article is divided into three parts except introduction. The first part is based on Japan’s perspective to discuss the background of Hara Takashi’s military policy. Japan’s military expansion policy during World War I is taken into consideration. The second part is based on Siberia withdrawal policy and Hara Takashi’s restrictive policies on military forces. These two policies are special. They are resulted from the compromise between political party and senior statesman. The third part makes an objective assessment of the Hara Takashi’s military policy.