The Nuremberg Trials and Postwar Japan

1. The Nuremberg Trials and Postwar Japan In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Nuremberg Trials Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japanese Constitution E. Napp

2. In June 1943, Allied forces landed in Italy and helped the Italians overthrow Mussolini. Mussolini was hanged. In June 1944, Allied troops invaded northern France on D-Day. By 1945, Germany surrendered. E. Napp

3. Hitler committed suicide. However, several of the most important Nazi leaders were tried and convicted for “crimes against humanity”. The Nuremberg Trials revealed to the world the full extent of Nazi atrocities. E. Napp

4. The trials established the principle that there was something superior to national law. Germany was also divided and occupied. E. Napp

5. The Japanese began a series of imperialistic attacks on mainland Asia in order to become a world power. Japan brutally defeated China, Manchuria, Korea, and lands in Southeast Asia.Japan even bombed the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. E. Napp

6. The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the U.S. fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor in late 1941 because the United States threatened a blockade that would thwart Japanese aggression in Asia. E. Napp

7. Initially, the Japanese had • sweeping victories in Asia. • However, the American • forces began liberating • Pacific islands from Japan in • After Germany was • defeated in 1945, the United • States turned its full strength • against Japan. American • atomic bombs were dropped • on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. E. Napp

8. Nearly 200,000 Japanese civilians were killed. Fearing additional attacks, Japan surrendered on August 14,1945. Japan was thoroughly defeated. Its military had been destroyed and its cities were in ruins. E. Napp

9. In September, 1945, American General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s unconditional surrender. MacArthur was assigned the task of rebuilding and reforming post-war Japan. Important changes were introduced. E. Napp

10. Japanese war leaders were punished. Japan’s ability to wage war was virtually eliminated. Japan was forbidden to have any army or navy, except a small “self-defense force.” Japan also renounced the use of nuclear weapons. E. Napp

11. Japan’s overseas empire was taken away, leaving Japan with just her home islands. E. Napp

12. A new constitution made Japan one of the most democratic nations in the world. War was renounced, and the constitution removed power from the emperor. Control of the government was placed in the hands of the Japanese people. E. Napp

13. Japanese women were given the right to vote. E. Napp

14. Questions for Reflection: • What were the Nuremberg Trials and what principle was established at Nuremberg? • What happened to Germany after its defeat? • Why did the United States drop two atomic bombs on Japan? • What task was General MacArthur given? • Describe postwar Japan. E. Napp