Alfred von Waldersee vs Saito Makoto

Waldersee succeeded the elder Moltke as Chief of the German General Staff. He held the position until 1891. His tenure was marked by advocacy for a preventive war against Russia, which was not adopted by Chancellor Bismarck. He was known for his political ambitions and close ties to the Kaiser.

Waldersee was appointed Supreme Commander of the Eight-Nation Alliance forces during the Boxer Rebellion. He arrived in China after the relief of the legations in Beijing. His command oversaw punitive expeditions and the signing of the Boxer Protocol, which imposed heavy indemnities on China.

Saito served as Governor-General of Korea from 1919 to 1927 and again from 1929 to 1931. He implemented a policy of 'cultural rule' that relaxed some repressive measures after the March 1st Movement, but maintained Japanese colonial control.

Saito Makoto served as Prime Minister from May 1932 to July 1934, leading a national unity cabinet after the assassination of Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi. His government pursued moderate policies but failed to curb military influence.

Under Saito's premiership, Japan formally recognized the puppet state of Manchukuo in September 1932. This action deepened Japan's international isolation and led to its withdrawal from the League of Nations.

Admiral Saito Makoto was assassinated on February 26, 1936, during the February 26 Incident, a coup attempt by radical army officers. Rebels stormed his home and killed him, along with other senior officials. His death symbolized the breakdown of civilian control over the military.