Taisho democracy: the growth of liberal values and the two-party system
Ex. discuss the impact of the growth of liberal values and the two party system during the Taisho democracy
Growth of Liberal Values
Background The Taisho era (1912-1926) in Japan was a period that witnessed the development of democratic practices, along
information with turbulence in Japanese political life. It was during this time that the Japanese political system began to more
closely resemble Western parliamentary democracies.
Impact of growth of liberal values: political freedom led to political instability
Background Emergence of Democracy:
information ● Emperor of Meiji Era died in 1911, he was succeeded by his son, Yoshihito -> Emperor Taisho 1912-1926
● Hara Takashi is the Prime Minister of Japan 1918-1921
Event Effect on Japan
Political
Hara Takashi: he led the first party-based government in Japan end of oligarchic rule, shift towards parliamentary democracy
● included elected representatives from the majority party
1925, universal suffrage bill passed expanded political participation
● granting 12 million adult males the right to vote
Taisho Political Crisis of 1913 Taisho Political Crisis of 1913
● Protesters demand "the normal course of constitutional ● demonstrated a level of political engagement and public
government," instead of appointed emperor expression
Social
The "New Woman" emerged, challenging traditional gender Women gained more rights during Taisho, but for universal
roles and advocating for greater equality. suffrage bill, only men electorate increased from 3 million to 12
million
Abolished Article 17 of Public Peace Law Protests, strikes, and demonstrations became more common,
Ex. discuss the impact of the growth of liberal values and the two party system during the Taisho democracy
Growth of Liberal Values
Background The Taisho era (1912-1926) in Japan was a period that witnessed the development of democratic practices, along
information with turbulence in Japanese political life. It was during this time that the Japanese political system began to more
closely resemble Western parliamentary democracies.
Impact of growth of liberal values: political freedom led to political instability
Background Emergence of Democracy:
information ● Emperor of Meiji Era died in 1911, he was succeeded by his son, Yoshihito -> Emperor Taisho 1912-1926
● Hara Takashi is the Prime Minister of Japan 1918-1921
Event Effect on Japan
Political
Hara Takashi: he led the first party-based government in Japan end of oligarchic rule, shift towards parliamentary democracy
● included elected representatives from the majority party
1925, universal suffrage bill passed expanded political participation
● granting 12 million adult males the right to vote
Taisho Political Crisis of 1913 Taisho Political Crisis of 1913
● Protesters demand "the normal course of constitutional ● demonstrated a level of political engagement and public
government," instead of appointed emperor expression
Social
The "New Woman" emerged, challenging traditional gender Women gained more rights during Taisho, but for universal
roles and advocating for greater equality. suffrage bill, only men electorate increased from 3 million to 12
million
Abolished Article 17 of Public Peace Law Protests, strikes, and demonstrations became more common,
