What was a significant impact of the Great Depression on Japan?

The rise of right-wing nationalism in Japan during the Great Depression can be attributed to several factors. As the global economic crisis unfolded, Japan faced severe economic difficulties, including unemployment, food shortages, and a decline in exports. These conditions fueled social unrest and dissatisfaction with the government, leading many Japanese to seek out alternative ideologies.

Right-wing nationalist movements gained momentum as they promised to restore national pride and assert Japan's position as a powerful and self-sufficient nation. Organizations like the Imperial Way Faction and other militaristic groups argued that Japan needed to expand its territory to secure resources and economic stability, which contributed to aggressive expansionist policies. This was the backdrop against which Japan pursued an aggressive foreign policy, leading to invasions of Manchuria and later confrontations in China.

In this environment, traditional values were emphasized, and the idea of a strong, militarized state became increasingly appealing. The economic crisis underscored the perceived vulnerability of Japan, thereby deepening the connection between economic despair and the rise of nationalist sentiments, particularly among the military establishment. Thus, the Great Depression catalyzed a shift toward right-wing nationalism, which would eventually play a significant role in Japan's aggressive actions leading up to and during World War II.