The Occupiers, Americans in Japan after World War II
Fifth session of the "Les Rencontres de l'Ifrae" lecture series.
Following Hirohito's surrender in August 1945, an American military government led by General Douglas MacArthur moved into Japan. Within a few years, a liberal democracy was taking shape in the country. To explain this success, two interpretations dominate: the first emphasizes the efficiency of the American administration; the other insists on the aspirations of Japanese society for greater freedom. But aren't there other factors to take into account?
In this meeting, we'll focus on lesser-known phenomena. On the one hand, the non-resistance of the Japanese population at the start of the occupation. On the other, the long-term consistency of American pragmatism.