1941년 『初等國史』 第6學年을 통해 본 근대일본의 국제질서론

Abstract

Previous studies of history textbooks in the Japanese colonial period have focused on the relationship between Korea and Japan described in history textbooks. However, this study examines how the imperial expansion of modern Japan and the international order were described in the history textbooks, not just the relationship of Korea and Japan. Winning the war against Russia and China, Japan promoted the construction of a new block called East Asia as a slogan. By repeatedly mentioning East Asia 66 times in the history textbook, Japan tried to indicate the purpose and necessity of establishing the new order. The history textbook for the 6th grade reflected Japan’s status in the world during the wartime, the process of its development, and the awareness of encouraging participation in national mobilization. It also reflected the fact that after winning the war against China, Japan stood shoulder to shoulder with the world powers to establish a new order of East Asia. With that in mind, the history textbook for the 6th grade reflected the most current historical situation. Through the textbook, Japan repeatedly stressed that Japan was at the center of “East Asia,” and Japan was the one who shall forge the prosperity of “East Asia” and a new order of Asia.