Japan has played a key role in spurring this transformation. Once an isolated island society, little known to its neighbours and practically unknown to the West, Japan has emerged today as a leading economic power. The country's rise to a position of international prominence has not been a smooth process, however - it has come only after a period of turmoil and conflict. Volume 6 provides a general introduction to Japan's history during the first three quarters of the twentieth century, with emphasis on political, economic, social and intellectual trends. Leading historians have contributed essays dealing with the development of domestic politics, particularly the politics of representative institutions, and Japan's relations with the outside world, including its prewar territorial expansion and aggrandizement on the Asian continent. Although written by specialists, this volume will be an important reference work for general readers as well as scholars and students of modern Japanese history.