Question

What impact did the end of WWII have on Japan's military and industry?

Answer 1

Post-WW2 reforms would set Japan on the course to becoming one of the greatest powers in the world.

Explanation:

The defeat of the Central Powers in Europe orphans Japan; Russia, Britain, and the United States island hop their way towards mainland. Economy was in shambles, politics was in chaos, and to make matters worse, two atomic bombs fall in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With defeat in plain sight, Japan surrenders.

Thus begins a United States occupation of the Japanese mainland; under General Douglas MacArthur, the Japanese military machine is dismantled. Zaibatsus, or industrial conglomerates, are also taken apart, and a shift towards capitalism is evident. A parliament is established, with a multi-party system and universal suffrage. Government-mandated religious systems are eliminated, and education becomes more wide-spread.

So what do these reforms do to Japan? Well, Japan is made to focus not on its military, but rather on its economy, and industry. Indeed, rather than impose power by military like it used to, Japan would be reformed to dominate economy. Today, Japan holds a large control on world economy, and that is due to post-WW2 reforms.