The Occupation of Japan began when Japan surrendered to the United States on September 2, 1945, after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Douglas MacArthur was named Governor of Japan and coordinated the occupation and reconstruction of Japan. During this five-year period he was the representative of the entire Allied Powers which were made up of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Great Britain. The Japanese viewed MacArthur as a benevolent  (well-meaning) emperor.

The main goals of the occupation government were to stop the use of military in Japan, make the country a democracy like the United States, and fix its economy. MacArthur was able to change the Japanese political views without the threat of violence. During General MacArthur’s 5-year term as Military Governor, he convinced the Japanese to turn to a democracy.

 

Click on the arrow  to continue gathering more information about the Occupation.