Final answer:
The military established an authoritarian government in Japan by the mid-1930s, following a series of events in the early 20th century that culminated in militaristic politicians taking control. The assassination of Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi in 1932 and the subsequent military dominance marked a definitive shift towards a military dictatorship, further solidified through alliances such as the Anti-Comintern Pact.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shift towards an authoritarian government in Japan began in the early 20th century but was profoundly marked by events in the 1930s. The military influence over the Japanese government increased, characterized by the rise of militaristic politicians and bouts of political violence. In 1932, following the May 15 incident, where Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated, the military's grip on power strengthened. By the mid-1930s, Japan had effectively established a military dictatorship, with a government dominated by high-ranking military officers suppressing any opposition.
During the 1930s, Japan's economy was export-dependent and deeply affected by international financial crises. Nationalist and ultra-nationalist elements within the military saw an opportunity to extend the Japanese Empire, leading to events like the staged 'incident' in Manchuria, which the civilian government could not contest. The Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany and eventually Italy laid the ideological roots for Japan's alignment with fascist nations, cementing the authoritarian military government.
The culmination of Japan's shift to a military-run state delineates the escalating acts of aggression in Asia, forming criminal conspiracies, and executing coups against the civilian government. This period also witnessed the secret societies within the military executing violence against their government in the pursuit of what they believed was Japan's destiny.