Manuel Azana vs Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu

As Prime Minister from 1931 to 1933, Azana implemented major reforms including military reduction, land redistribution, and secularization of education. These reforms aimed to modernize Spain but faced opposition from conservatives and the military.

During Azana's premiership, the Guardia Civil violently suppressed an anarchist uprising in Casas Viejas, killing 24 villagers. The incident caused a political scandal, damaged Azana's reputation, and contributed to his government's fall.

Azana was elected President of the Second Spanish Republic in May 1936, succeeding Niceto Alcala-Zamora. His presidency coincided with increasing political polarization and the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936.

After the Republican defeat in the Spanish Civil War, Azana fled to France in February 1939. He resigned as President in March 1939 and died in exile in Montauban in November 1940, never returning to Spain.

Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu became the close confidant and favorite of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, rising from a minor page to the highest ranks of the shogunate. His influence grew as he managed Tsunayoshi's personal affairs and policy decisions.

Yoshiyasu was appointed roju, formalizing his control over shogunate policy. He used this position to amass wealth and power, appointing allies and suppressing critics, becoming one of the most powerful officials in Edo Japan.

Yoshiyasu patronized Confucian scholars like Arai Hakuseki and supported the publication of historical works. He also sponsored the construction of temples and gardens, contributing to the cultural flourishing of the Genroku era.

Upon Shogun Tsunayoshi's death, Yoshiyasu lost his protector and was forced to retire from his official positions. His influence ended abruptly, and he spent his remaining years in retirement, though he avoided execution or exile.