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Gaijin Shogun: The Effectiveness Of Macarthur In The Early Stages Of The Military Occupation Of Japan, Jack Cashion

Senior Honors Theses

In the aftermath of World War II, the Allied powers occupied Germany and Japan to ensure a peaceful transition at the end of the war. While the Allies had conquered Germany in its entirety, Japan’s surrender in the wake of the atomic bombs forestalled a costly invasion of the Japanese mainland. President Harry Truman granted General Douglas MacArthur the title of Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) when he appointed the general as the leader of America’s occupation force in Japan. As SCAP, MacArthur oversaw the initial years of the reconstruction of Japan and its transition from a war-torn …

Caron's Japan: Tokugawa State And Society Through A European Lens, Cegan Hinson

Student Research Submissions

Dutch East India Company (VOC) merchant François Caron describes Tokugawa Japan as a rigid political hierarchy controlled by the Shogun, similar to the governments established by absolute monarchs in Europe. Caron understands and insightfully describes Tokugawa society by emphasizing perceived and real similarities between Tokugawa Japan and Early Modern Europe. He struggles to understand religious differences between these societies, but his description of Japanese religious practices still reflects how the Shogunate utilized Buddhism and anti-Christian policies to uphold their rule. Caron also depicts Tokugawa Japan as a land of plentiful resources prime for lucrative trade. He includes the writings of …

Overlooked Diplomacy: A Look Into Missed Diplomatic Efforts In The Pacific Theater Of World War Ii, Maxwell Melanson

Honors Theses

This thesis examines possible diplomatic solutions that may have ceased United States-Japanese conflict throughout the late 1930s and 40s. The first chapter analyzes the declaration of the policy of unconditional surrender, and what this policy entailed. Despite Roosevelt claiming that the idea just came to him, it was a carefully developed policy, and was chosen to be enacted for a multitude of reasons. After the Casablanca conference in January 1943, unconditional surrender became a unifying policy and a politically smart policy in Roosevelt's favor. The second chapter then analyzes the tensions rising between Japan and the United States through the …

The Russo-Japanese War: Origins And Implications, Benjamin E. Mainardi

James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal (JMURJ)

The 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War was the first major conflict of the twentieth century and a turning point in the balance of power in East Asia. In the short term, Russia’s defeat helped precipitate the 1905 Russian Revolution and the 1917 October Revolution. More broadly, the aftermath of the war informed Japan’s imperial ambitions in Manchuria—the early stages of World War II in Asia during the 1930s—and continuing Russo-Japanese enmity over Sakhalin Island and the Kuril Island chain. Studying this historical conflict in terms of international relations provides valuable insights into the nature of the conflict and how the past continues …

A Reexamination Of Emperor Hirohito's Military And Political Role In Wartime Japan, 1926-1945, Kazuaki Suhama

History Undergraduate Theses

This paper discusses and reexamines Emperor Hirohito’s degree of responsibility in Japan’s military aggression in China during the late 1920s and 1930s to the attack on Pearl Harbor in the United States during World War II. Scholars have long debated the extent of Hirohito’s role as a warmonger due to his ambiguous position as a head of state and the lack of primary evidence displaying his actions and thoughts on the war. This paper will utilize the Constitution of the Empire of Japan of 1889 (informally known as the Meiji Constitution) which delineated the emperor’s supreme position in the government …

From Enemy Asset To National Showcase: France’S Seizure And Circulation Of The Matsukata Collection (1944-1958), Léa Saint-Raymond, Maxime Georges Métraux

Artl@s Bulletin

Sequestered by the French State as an "enemy asset" in 1944, Kojiro Matsukata’s collection was used as a national showcase through exhibitions until 1958. Few catalogues were transparent as to the works’ provenance from the collection. When we map and visualize this historical information, a significant contrast appears between the “real” circulation of artworks, as recorded in governmental archives, and the "official" circulation listed in catalogues. This discrepancy points to a propaganda effort in such a way as to bolster an artistic narrative that was key to French national pride, and studying it can further explain why the French decided …

Effects Of The United States Reconstruction On Nationalism In The Japanese Education System, Connell Murphy

Voces Novae

When the United States began its reconstruction of Japan after World War II, they consistently put their own interests within the country before what would benefit Japan the most . While the first two years of the occupation led to significant changes inside and outside schools, including the Ministry of Education’s diminished role, increased local involvement in the academic system, and the removal of nationalistic “morality” classes such as shushin. All of these changes were necessary efforts to denationalize and decentralize Japan’s educational system and allow more choices for teachers and schools. When Washington began to take an increased interest …

Remembering An Abolitionist, Ambassador John R. Miller (May 23, 1938-October 4, 2017), Eleanor Kennelly Gaetan, Donna M. Hughes

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

A memorial for Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, John R. Miller (May 23, 1938-October 4, 2017). Ambassador Miller believed modern-day slavery, encompassing sex trafficking and forced labor, requires a principled global offensive that the United States is morally obligated to lead. In the four formative years he led the State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, 2002 to 2006, John Miller set the office’s course as diplomatically aggressive and programmatically creative. He made the annual Trafficking in Persons report more than a bureaucratic submission, putting daring heroes at the center, and insisting on compelling …

Geopolitical Implications Of The Sino-Japanese East China Sea Dispute For The U.S., Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This presentation updates the article "Geopolitical Implications of the Sino-East China Sea Dispute for the U.S." published in Geopolitics, History, and International Relations which is already available in epubs.

Geopolitical Implications Of The Sino-Japanese East China Sea Dispute For The U.S., Bert Chapman

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Much analysis on Asian strategic challenges facing the U.S. has justifiably emphasized the South China Sea (SCS). This has also been reflected in 2016 presidential campaign debate on the SCS as an emerging area of U.S. foreign and national security policy concern. The East China Sea (ECS) is at least as important for the strategic interests of the U.S. and its allies given the tension between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands, potential energy resources in this body of water, increasing defense spending by adjacent geographic powers, the area’s importance as a maritime international trade route, and the possibility …

The Brush Is Mightier Than The Bayonet: The Role Of Cooperation With The Art And Media Communities Of Japan During The American Occupation, William B. Carpenter

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Revisiting A Struggle: Port Kembla, 1938, Rowan Cahill

Rowan Cahill

A review and discussion of the 2015 documentary film 'Pig Iron Bob' (Producer/Director Sandra Pires). The focus of this film is the dramatic 2-month long boycott by Australian waterside workers in Port Kembla (NSW), 1938/39, of a cargo of Australian pig-iron bound for Japan. The workers took their action in protest against Japanese militarism and the Sino-Japanese War. The boycott enraged the conservative Australian government of the day which pulled out all stops to maintain its policy of appeasement towards Japan.

China, Japan And Korea: Hegemonic Stability And International Society In Northeast Asia During Ming And Qing, Lukas Danner

Lukas K. Danner

No abstract provided.

The Early Modern Chinese Tribute System: Civilization As Source Of Soft Power, Lukas Danner

Lukas K. Danner

No abstract provided.

Medieval International Relations Of East Asia: The Tribute System Reconsidered, Lukas Danner

Lukas K. Danner

No abstract provided.

The Economics Of The Atomic Bomb: Cost And Utilization, Jonathan M. Davis Mr.

Senior Honors Theses

Few moments in human history can be compared to the culmination of events that brought the atomic bomb into creation. It is incredible to contemplate that while a nation was fighting a two front war that spanned from Europe into the Pacific, that the United States was able to utilize the time, energy, brains, materials, manpower, and capital to complete a project in four years. That under any other circumstances would have taken greater than half a century to complete.

First, this thesis will discuss breakthroughs in research that led scientists to believe that the atomic weapons could be built, …

Japan And The World: Japan’S Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges – A Volume In Honor Of The Memory And Intellectual Legacy Of Asakawa Kan’Ichi, Frances Rosenbluth, Masaru Kohno

CEAS Occasional Publication Series

Yale CEAS Occasional Publication Series - Volume 2

Nest Of Traitors, Rowan Cahill

Rowan Cahill

Review of Drew Cottle, 'The Brisbane Line - A Reappraisal' (Upfront Publishing, Leicestershire, 2003), a scholarly study of elements of the Australian ruling class during the 1930s and their close relationships with Japan, and the proposition that in the event of Australia being invaded by Japan during the Second World War, these elements would have collaborated.

What's Happening In The Fight For Freedom, August 12, 1941, Fight For Freedom Committee

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed newsletter from the Fight for Freedom Committee, dated August 12, 1941. Within, the latest chapter and international news are distilled for members.

What's Happening In The Fight For Freedom, July 26, 1941, Fight For Freedom Committee

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed newsletter from the Fight for Freedom Committee, dated July 26, 1941. Within is a schedule of chapter meetings and broadcasts as well as war news for members.

Our Peril If Britain Falls, 1941-1943, Committee To Defend America By Aiding The Allies

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed propaganda pamphlet entitled, "Our Peril if Britain Falls", by the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies, dating from circa 1941-1943. Within, the pamphlet outlines what the United States will lose and risk should Britain fall to Adolf Hitler's Germany.

Letter From John J. Pershing To Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, August 14, 1940, John J. Pershing

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed letter from John J. Pershing addressed to Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, dated August 14, 1940. Within, Pershing agrees that public sentiment favors more American involvement in protecting Britain and the British fleet.

Telegram From Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson To Wendell L. Willkie, August 11, 1940, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed copy of a telegram sent by Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson addressed to Wendell L. Willkie, dated August 11, 1940. Within, Wilson writes with worry that Willkie won't take action to protect Britain and the British fleet.

Letter From Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson To John J. Pershing, August 7, 1940, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed copy of a letter from Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson addressed to John J. Pershing, dated August 7, 1940. Within, Wilson urges Pershing to use his influence to encourage American naval aid to the British fleet.

Letter From Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson To Wilbur Forrest, August 5, 1940, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

World War II Era Documents, 1939-1945

A typed copy of a letter from Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson addressed to Wilbur Forrest, dated August 5, 1940. Within, Wilson urges Forrest to consider publishing an enclosure on the subject of an alliance with Japan.

Letter From Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson To Franklin D. Roosevelt, May 22, 1933, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

Documents, 1919-1938

A typed copy of a letter from Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson to Franklin D. Roosevelt, dated May 22, 1933. Within, Wilson writes to advise Roosevelt on an upcoming meeting with Japanese representatives Ishii Kikujiro and Eigo Fukai.

Memorandum On Far Eastern Policy, May 22, 1933, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

Documents, 1919-1938

A typed copy of a memorandum on Far Eastern Policy by Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, dated May 22, 1933. Within, Wilson writes on the current state of the Japan-Manchuria conflict.

Outline Of The Far Eastern Crisis, February 2, 1932, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

Documents, 1919-1938

A typed copy of a memorandum entitled, "Outline of the Far Eastern Crisis", written by Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson and dated February 2, 1932. Within, Wilson addresses the history of the Far Eastern question, the current state of conflict between China, Japan and Russia and the threat it poses to the Open Door Policy.

Letter From Dorothy Dearing To Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, March 4, 1921, Dorothy Dearing

Documents, 1919-1938

A handwritten letter from Dorothy Dearing addressed to Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, dated March 4, 1921. Within, Dearing writes to update Wilson on the illnesses she and her husband are experiencing and urges Wilson to write to Philander Knox regarding a diplomatic post in Japan.

Making A Japanese Question At Paris, 1919, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

Documents, 1919-1938

A typed copy of an essay entitled, "Making a Japanese Question at Paris", written by Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson, dating from circa 1919. Within, Wilson writes on the Japanese government's wish to make a declaration of equality at the Paris Peace Conference.