What was a significant consequence of the assassination of the Japanese Prime Minister after the 1930 naval treaty negotiations?

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The assassination of Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi in 1932 was a critical event that highlighted the deepening political crisis in Japan during the interwar period. Inukai had been a proponent of moderate policies and diplomacy, especially in the face of the contentious naval limitations resulting from the 1930 Naval Treaty negotiations. His assassination by ultra-nationalists marked a turning point that exacerbated political instability in Japan.

Following his death, there was a notable shift toward militarism and right-wing nationalism. This period saw the rise of military factions within the government, which increasingly endorsed aggressive expansionist policies rather than diplomatic resolution. The assassination signified a rejection of moderate political discourse and signaled to aspiring military leaders that there was popular support for more aggressive foreign policy, leading to actions such as the invasion of China and a more confrontational stance toward Western powers.

This turbulent political landscape created chaos and division among political factions, further destabilizing Japan’s governance in the years leading up to World War II. Thus, the significant consequence was indeed a period of major political instability, which set the stage for Japan's militaristic expansion and eventual involvement in global conflict.

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