Japan and the Cold War, 1952-1991

H1 History - syllabus 8838, 2027

How the Japan-USA alliance was built and strained by security, domestic politics and trade, and how Japan engaged China and Southeast Asia.

• From occupation to alliance, 1945-1952

  The Cold War turned the US occupation of Japan from reform to recovery, and ended with a peace treaty and a security treaty in 1951.

• The Yoshida Doctrine and domestic divisions

  Japan relied on the US for security and focused on growth, while domestic politics limited its military role.

• Sharing the defence burden

  The USA pressed Japan to do more for its own defence; Japan moved slowly, spending about 1 per cent of GNP until the late 1980s.

• Economic relations: aid, trade and market access

  The USA helped Japan recover and opened its market, but Japan's success led to serious trade friction from the 1970s.

• Japan's engagement with China

  Japan followed the USA in recognising Taiwan, kept trade with the mainland, then normalised relations with Beijing in 1972 after the Nixon shock.

• Japan's engagement with Southeast Asia

  Japan used reparations, aid, trade and investment to rebuild ties with Southeast Asia, and in 1977 promised partnership without military power.

• Put it together: What kind of ally was Japan?

  Choose a lens to see how Japan responded to the Cold War.