The Japanese during WWII committed some of the most atrocious war crimes on the Chinese people, equaling by some historians to that of the Jewish Holocaust. Prior to WWII, Japan faced the reality that their territories and resources limited them as a global power. Led by a God-like figure head, Emperor Hiroshito, Japan believed they had a heavenly calling to influence their weaker neighbors. Japan’s actions in battle, disregard for human life, and theistic view of their nation led to a humiliating loss and a pact that put their nation’s political, military, and economic future in the hands of other nations Politically Japan was ruled by an Emperor, with Generals only giving him advice; ultimately decisions came from him. Unlike the Nazi campaigns, Japan’s war against China is not …show more content…
Although Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and the Republic of China had an advisory role as part of an “Allied Council,” MacArthur had the final authority to make all decisions. The occupation of Japan can be divided into three phases: the initial effort to punish and reform Japan, the work to revive the Japanese economy, and the conclusion of a formal peace treaty and alliance (history.state.gov). The economic and military changes were interwoven. One of the major changes made was that Japan was to have a defense only force, allowing Japan to funnel monies they typically would spend on the military force and put that into their economy. As a base line Japan spends right at one percent of their GDP on total military expenditures (cia.gov). An area that has been a staple in their Self-Defense Force has been Air Defense. Japan partners with the United States to research, develop, and deploy ballistic missile defense systems or BMD, and is one of the most active players in the field of BMD (nti.org). The reason for this is