Japanese Economy and WW II

by Shinsuke Inoue

Per. 2

   Japan has made some dramatic changes since the WW II.  Japan was an isolated country and was self-centered before the war.  The reason for this was because Japan was surrounded by water and had little contact with other countries.  

    But this wall of separation broke when World War II started.  Til that time Japan had fairly stable government and economy.  Before the World War II, Japan had control over Manchuria, Beijing, Shanghai, and even Korea.  They were planning to take over more part of Western Asia.   The reason they wanted to conquer more land was to get more resorce and lands.   Also they just wanted to show the world how powerful they were.  It was possible for Japan to conquer these lands, because  there was no other country that was able to stop their powerful army.  From these experiences, Japan learned confidence and began to take pride in their country.

    Japan believed that they have the most powerful army in the world, but they learned that they were wrong when they decided to fight US.  On December      they attacked Pearl Harbor.   That is when they realized that they were not the strongest.  US soon declared war against Japan.  Not only to protect itself, but to protect the countries that were in danger of being conquered by the Japanese Empire.

   Before US entered the war with Japan they were struggling from economic depression known as the "Great Depression."   Although they were stuggling, they had higher production level compared to Japan.   Once they entered the war their production went up even higher.  Japan was not able to keep up the supplies like US was doing.  The war went on for several years til Japan went out of supplies, they were forced to waved the white flag.  There was nothing for Japan now.  Many survivers suffered from food shortage and also many lost their home and there was no place for them to stay.  Japan saw no hope til US offered to help restore its economy.

    Now, in the late 1900's, Japan obsorbed many abilities from the western country.  For example, to produce car and other economic goods.  People now are more open minded and have interest for new ideas.  With those changes made, Japan has become a one of world's leading country in economy and in technology.