|
|
Emperor Hirohito Biography
|
Biography: Life of Emperor Hirohito
Born 1901, Died 1989
Emperor Hirohito, the 124th Emperor of Japan, was born on April 29, 1901 in Tokyo. Following a five-year period as regent, Hirohito ascended to the Chrysanthemum throne in 1926. Hirohito was emperor of Japan during World War II.
Hirohito was schooled in his duty as the semi-divine future constitutional monarch of Japan. He discovered his first taste of freedom during a trip to England in 1921. After returning to Japan, an attempt was made on his life. Protection was increased and by the time Hirohito became emperor he was closely protected.
In 1937 Japan, being mainly under military rule, invaded China. The brutal acts which were committed led to war in the Pacific. At first Hirohito was against the decision to join the Axis countries in World War II and the decision to wage war on the United States. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hirohito became caught-up in the success of Japan against the United States and Asian countries. When it became evident that Japan would be defeated, Hirohito kept the war going looking for victories that would obtain better terms for peace. Only after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan did Hirohito vote for surrender. The Japanese formally surrendered on September 2, 1945 onboard the battleship Missouri.
While Hirohito shared responsibility for the war against the United States, General Douglas MacArthur wanted him to remain emperor and not be tried as a war criminal as was Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. Hirohito cooperated with MacArthur and supported the new constitution which renounced war and the idea that the emperor was divine.
Hirohito became more active publicly in Japan and around the world. While many could not forgive him for his part in the war, he was treated respectfully by the Japanese people. Hirohito died from cancer on January 7, 1989.
Home - History - Asian History - Japanese History - Emperor Hirohito History - Emperor Hirohito Bio
Notes, Facts and Information about History, Literature and Science
Help with Student Term Papers, Essays, Tests and Lesson Plans
Education and Learning for School, College or University
We offer these biographies, timelines, essays, themes and reviews to help primary and secondary students with homework, tests and term papers. These guides will help teachers answer basic questions of why, where, how and when and offer a broad overview of history, literature and science.
This website is copyright 2004-2005 by Online-Study-Guide.com and while information may be used by teachers and students for lesson plans and educational purposes, commercial reproduction is strictly prohibited. Students, teachers and education professionals who find these facts and information helpful are encouraged to link to our website.
|
|
