11. Domestic terrorism gradually eroded civilian confidence in the government
Throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s radical organizations and secret societies in Japan carried out several assassinations, attempted assassinations, violent demonstrations, terror bombings, and other activities which weakened the confidence of the people in elected government. It appeared to many that the government was incapable of protecting itself and the people it was elected to serve. Trade restrictions imposed on Japan by western governments wary of its growing strength weakened the economy, a pinch felt by the lower classes for the most part. Military demonstrations and parades stressing loyalty to the emperor gained popularity as the Diet and cabinet lost support.
In 1932, aware of the impotence of the civilian government, the Japanese military attacked Shanghai. Under the pretext of protecting Japanese citizens and property in Shanghai, the Japanese used aircraft carrier-based bombers to strike targets in and around the city. Over the next three months, Japanese and Chinese troops engaged in an undeclared war. The League of Nations eventually brokered a cease-fire agreement, which allowed Japanese troops to remain in Shanghai, denied Chinese troops access to the city, and further enhanced the image of the army and navy in the eyes of the Japanese people.
