Rebuilding Japan Comprehension Check

Name 3 Asian countries where Communism was growing in popularity:

China, Korea, Vietnam

What did the US government fear might happen if Japan's economy remained weak?

Communism would spread to Japan because poor citizens would see it as a solution of economic problems

What type of political system was established in Japan after the war?

Constitutional Monarchy

What US General was given the job of rebuilding Japan?

General Douglas MacArthur

Why did President Truman decide to drop the atomic bombs on Japan?

He knew that it would save many American lives and that Japan would eventually surrender.

On which Japanese city was the first atomic bomb ever used in war dropped?

Hiroshima

What does Japan's new constitution say about war?

Japan can never declare war on another country—can only fight if they are attacked first.

Why did the US occupy Japan from 1945 to 1952?

Japan's government, economy, and infrastructure was completely demolished. They needed help rebuilding & the US wanted to make sure that they wouldn't be a military threat to other countries in the future.

What happened on December 7, 1941?

Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

The Japanese surrendered after the second atomic bomb was dropped on this city:

Nagasaki

How did the US react to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor?

President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan—they agreed.

What is the relationship like between the United States and Japan today?

The two have remained close allies and trading partners since the 1950s

The day that Japan surrendered is known as:

VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day).

Was the United States successful in helping rebuild Japan's economy? Explain.

Yes-Japan is now one of the most powerful industrialized economies in the world