2 Major Changes in the Post War Era

After Japan's surrender to the Allied Powers, American General Douglas MacArthur accepted the surrender and took over the occupation and restructuring of Japan.  During this time the country underwent a great number of changes.

1. Japan became a parliamentary democracy which was laid out in the constitution which was drafted by MacArthur and American consultants.  The democracy went into effect on May 3, 1947.  In this democracy all individuals, including women, above the age of 20 were able to vote for both houses of Parliament and the popularly elected Prime Minister.

2.  Another important change Post War is that America became allies with Japan upon the ratification of the Peace treaty in September 1951.  This positive relationship has grown and fostered ever since this point.

Similar to the change after World War 1, the World underwent immense change, much of which was experienced by Japan.