H381 Taisho Political Crisis

The "Genro":

Ito, Yamagata, Matsukatata, and Saionji

Ito Forms his own party, the

(Rikken SEIYUKAI)

Hara Kei hired to manage party

Era of "Detentes" 1900-1912

Saionji-Katsura Taro Alternate as PM 1900-1912

President of the Seiyukai, Saionji is More "Liberal" of the two men.

Katsura is conservative, linked with anti-populist/socialist movements, e.g.

1908 Red Flag incident

1910 High Treason Incident

--12 socialists arrested/executed

1912 = Taisho Political Crisis

Katsura forms own party, Doshikai

 (Later caled the Kenseikai)

Katsura falls from power

3 "Transcendental Cabinets" or non-party followed by

WWI

Rice Riots of 1918

Hara Kei becomes 1st "commoner"/Party PM 1918-1921

1921 Hara assassinated by right wing

3 More Transcendental Cabinets followed by:

Era of "Normal Constitutional Government" 1924-1931

as

Seiyukai and Kenseikai alternate in Power