Wars, politics & history

Occupation of Japan

28 August 1945

The Allied occupation of Japan followed the country's surrender in the Second World War and lasted until the San Francisco Peace Treaty came into force in 1952. Although in principle an Allied operation, it was dominated by the United States and led by General Douglas MacArthur as Supreme Commander. The occupation disbanded the military, tried war criminals, carried out land reform and broke up the large industrial conglomerates, the zaibatsu. A new constitution, which came into force in 1947, renounced war, reduced the emperor to a symbolic role and gave women the vote. With the Cold War and the Korean War, American policy changed to build Japan's economy as a partner.

Open on the timeline

Before and after

More in Wars, politics & history

The era

This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.