In what way and extent could the 1920s be regarded as a lost opportunity for Japan?

Introduction Background - Something would be considered a lost opportunity to Japan if they progressed socially and politically. - The 1920s were not a lost opportunity to a large extent because of the events of the Washington Naval Conference, the democratic advancements of Japan. However there were some lost opportunities, which will also be explored later. Point 1 The 1920s however were a lost opportunity in terms of opening itself for politial change - Example: Peace Preservation Law (1925) o Prohibited groups that advocated the change of national polity - Evaluation: Essentially government has unlimited power to suppress political parties Example: Top Down approach Evaluation: Emperor still had absolute power and this prevents Japan from advancing as a modern nation in the world they all had democracies

Point 2 The 1920s were not a lost opportunity for Japan because of its opening of itself to the rest of the world and being established as an advanced nation. - Example: The Washington Naval Conference of 1921 22 o Japans attendance confirmed its place as a significant power in the world. Point 3 The 1920s were not a lost opportunity for Japan in its heading in a more democratic direction. - Example: Universal Suffrage - Evaluation: 400% increase in voting rights over a span of 35 years Example: Rise of Party Governments Evaluation: The government was voted in by the people and thus with a larger pool of voters, the people had more say in who they wanted people that would care for their welfare.

Point 4 The 1920s were not a lost opportunity due to the increase of political options - Example: 2 party system - Evaluation: Gave people options to choose from, allowed them to decide what they wanted

Example: Prime minister was from the winning party. Evaluation: The fact that the Prime Minister was not selected by the members of the general staff or the privy council show the increase in democratic options that the people are given.

Point 5 The 1920s were not a lost opportunity in the increase of social welfare for the people. - Example: The support for labour unions increased o Removal of public peace law 1900 o Unions legalised + government backup o Labour dispute mediation law 1925 - Evaluation: Government finally working for people who voted them in. Example: Social Reforms o Abolishing Public Peace Laws o National Health Law Evaluation: promotion of the welfare of the people, the government is now working for the people and not just for the emperor

Conclusion Summary of points - Based on the points above we can see that the 1920s was not a lost opportunity for Japan as it made great progress, especially politically, which in turn allowed it to advance and be recognized as a powerful nation. Even though at times there were several moments of opportunities that could have been seized, generally the Japanese were consistent in their progress which is what probably led them to become a front runner in the contest for power.