In 1945, supreme commander for the allied powers' immediate strategy for Japan’s post-war reconstruction was encapsulated in two words: "demilitarize" and "democratize" in the minds of SCAP personnel, how were these goals linked? In what ways did occupation policy tackle each of these goals?
Japan wanted the Pacific war to end, so in August 15th 1945 they accepted the Potsdam declaration. It was finally put in the occupation of allied powers led by the United States of America (Dower 338). It was after this declaration that the supreme commander for the allied powers (SCAP), issued orders for the Japanese government to implement reforms and policies of demilitarize and democratize.
The goals were linked in the essence that, military leadership and control gave very little importance to the opinion of the people. it meant that the military could use force. Democratizing means that the opinion of the people will be put into great consideration (Dower, 338). A democratic government is for the people and by the people. Once they demilitarize, then it meant that the people can have their opinions heard in a democratic way.
The occupation tackled each policy by ensuring that the Japanese government had surrendered completely to the United States and that the US could inspect their military facilities by posting people there. The occupation also ensured that there was removal of all types and forms of political and economic restrictions (Dower, 246). This led to the re- emerging of the political parties that were once there and a free and fair election was held. During this election, for the first time women were participated and at the end thirty nine women were elected. This gave way to a more democratic government by the people.
The implementation of the two policies led to a peaceful environment in Japan even after the way. The alignment with the United States which was then considered a very strong military country also ensured their safety and well being.
Work Cited
John W Dower, Cultures of War; Pearl Harbor / Hiroshima/ Iraq. W. W. Norton , 2011, p 338
John Dower, Embracing Defeat, Penguin, 1999, p 246
