Hara Takashi

Hara Takashi's government committed Japanese troops to the Siberian Intervention, an Allied expedition to support White Russian forces against the Bolsheviks. The intervention was costly and unpopular, leading to Japan's withdrawal in 1922.

Hara Takashi became Prime Minister of Japan in 1918, the first commoner to hold the office. His appointment marked a shift toward party politics and away from rule by the Meiji oligarchs.

Hara Takashi's government expanded the electorate by lowering the tax qualification for voting, increasing the number of eligible voters. He also strengthened the role of political parties in the cabinet, though he did not achieve universal male suffrage.

Hara Takashi was assassinated by a right-wing railway worker at Tokyo Station. His death shocked Japan and highlighted the growing political violence and opposition to democratic reforms from ultranationalist groups.