What were the Position of Japan after the End of Second World War?

Ultimately Japan surrendered before General MacArthur of America and he was appointed administrator in Japan by the allied nations. Hence MacArthur came to be known as ‘Scamp’, i.e., Supreme Commander of Allied Powers.

The headquarter of the allied powers was in Washington for Japan, although the chief responsibility of its working remained in the hands of America.

First of all General MacArthur affected complete disarmament of Japan. The big ships were either destroyed or handed over to the allied nations. All the military institutions were closed and the services of the officers of these institutes were terminated.

A new constitution was formed for Japan which was parliamen­tarian in form. The king was its President. He was only a flag and had no power to act beyond the wishes of the house. The members of both the houses were elected by the public.

An independent judiciary was organised. Franchise and right of voting was granted to women also. Human rights were included in the constitution and Japan was declared a secular nation.

Government prohibited the paternal worship and the assistance being given to the Shanto religion. The King was no more having the divine powers but he was the representative of the people. The ancient ideology of Japanese that they were the best people of the world was demolished.

Various changes were introduced in education. The military education was abolished and stress was laid on the education which could be useful for the society. Many changes were brought about in economic field.

The old landlord system was abolished and the ownership of land was given over to the farmers. Research centers were established for the progress and development of agriculture. Industrial development was also encouraged.

All this shows that MacArthur made thorough changes in the social, economic, political and military system of Japan but there is no doubt that he got the complete support of the people of Japan.

The Japanese accepted their defeat with resignation. They did not hold anybody else responsible for their defeat. They did not have any feeling of hatred towards the American armies stationed in Japan.

On the other hand, they devoted themselves to the hard work of making their country prosperous. Their cooperation helped MacArthur in achieving his goal.