Violence made opposition dangerous. A rule about appointing army ministers also let the army stop an unwanted government from forming.
On 15 May 1932, young naval officers assassinated Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi. His successor, Admiral Saito Makoto, headed a cabinet mainly of government officials, with some party representatives. This ended the run of fully party-based cabinets. The attack also showed politicians the danger of resisting radical officers; it did not immediately give one general control of every institution.
A coup is an attempt to seize power by force. During the attempted coup of 26 February 1936, rebel officers killed senior figures including Finance Minister Takahashi Korekiyo. The emperor insisted that the revolt be suppressed, and it was defeated by 29 February. The rebels did not become Japan's rulers. Yet their violence killed opponents and spread fear, while other military leaders strengthened their position afterwards.
In 1936, the government restored a rule that army and navy ministers had to be active-duty officers: officers still serving, rather than retired. A cabinet needed these ministers, so a service could obstruct a proposed government by refusing to supply one. In January 1937, the army refused to recommend an army minister for Ugaki Kazushige. Without that appointment, he could not form his cabinet. This was a veto, a power to block a decision, exercised through an appointment rule rather than a successful coup.
Worked example: Follow the steps in the army veto
Ugaki was asked to form a cabinet in January 1937.
- His cabinet needed an army minister who was still serving in the army.
- The army refused to recommend a suitable officer, so Ugaki could not fill the required post.
- Ugaki abandoned his attempt. By withholding one appointment, the army blocked a government it did not want.
Watch out for this
The February 1936 coup made its rebel officers the rulers of Japan.
The revolt failed. Its wider effects still mattered: senior opponents had been killed, politicians faced intimidation and other military leaders gained influence.
Check your understanding
How was the army able to block Ugaki from forming a cabinet in 1937?
- Ugaki lost a direct public election for prime minister.
- It refused to supply the serving officer needed as army minister.
- The successful February 1936 rebels had already formed a cabinet of their own.