Introduction
Through the examination of three key factors, this article delves into the complexity that transformed the Japanese military into one of the most brutal during World War II. Understanding the deeply rooted culture of bushido, the exclusion from the Enlightenment movement, and the influence of advisors like Jakob Meckel, provides a comprehensive insight into the barbaric nature of Japanese actions during this period.
The Role of Bushido
Bushido, the virtue of Japanese honour, plays a pivotal role in understanding the devotion to honour that made surrender anathema. This concept, deeply ingrained in Japanese society for centuries, turned the honor of battle into a fierce code of conduct, ultimately contributing to the militaristic and often brutal practices during World War II.
Bushido: A Militaristic Aristocracy
Originating in Japan’s militarized aristocracy, bushido was not just a martial tradition but a cultural norm that permeated every aspect of Japanese military life. Its emphasis on honour and loyalty fostered a mindset where every soldier was expected to fight to the death rather than surrender, leading to the cruelty and savagery witnessed on the battlefield.
The Enigma of the Enlightenment
The Japanese were denied exposure to the Enlightenment, a period of profound intellectual and philosophical developments that influenced much of the Western world. Due to the country's isolationist policies, the Enlightenment’s transformative ideas did not reach Japan. The partial enforcement of foreign reforms through Commodore Matthew Perry’s Treaty of Kanagawa in 1853 and the subsequent Meiji Restoration in 1868 introduced some elements of Western thinking, but the lack of a comprehensive understanding led to a half-baked approach to modernization.
The Impact of Jakob Meckel
Jakob Meckel, a German advisor in the late 1800s, played a crucial role in the transformation of the Japanese military. His mission was to modernize the Japanese armed forces by adopting the German model. Despite his short tenure (1885-1888), Meckel’s influence was profound. He saw the fanatical and rigid bushido code and, rather than reforming it, he embraced and codified it into the Japanese military curriculum. This decision reinforced the brutal and unforgiving nature of the Japanese soldiers, ultimately contributing to the barbaric actions during World War II.
Conclusion
The Japanese military’s barbaric behavior during World War II was a result of a combination of deeply ingrained cultural values, a partial understanding of modernization, and the influence of advisors like Jakob Meckel. By examining these factors, it becomes evident that the roots of Japanese brutality extend far beyond simplistic narratives of national character. Understanding the complexities of bushido, the impact of the Enlightenment, and the misguided reforms of advisors like Meckel provides a more nuanced perspective on this troubling chapter in world history.