3.1.2 - Ambitions of Japan in Asia-Pacific Flashcards
Meiji Restoration
when and results through modern world
Ascension of the Meiji Emperor 1868 - rapid industrialisation and modernisation following Western models (military, education, government structure, power of rousing nationalism)
- Became an imperial of global standing by the 1910s, a member of the “Great Powers Club” (status as a great power)
- Empire included: Korea, Taiwan, influence in China after Treaty of Portsmouth (5 September 1905) from the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
- Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902) (close relations) → WW1 Japanese navy protected Allied shipping.
Impact of Paris Peace Conference and the Treaty of Versaille
After 6 months at the Paris Peace Conference, the Treaty of Versaille was signed 28 June 1919:
* Gained German territory within China (Shandong, but not Chia-Chou Bay)
* However, racial equality clause for the Covenant of the League of Nations was rebuffed (especially by Australia and Britain). This was viewed as a huge slight against the Japanese by other world powers, and clear display of racial discrimination by Western powers, who were unwilling to recognise Japan as an equal on the global stage.
* Alienated Japanese leaders by this exclusion - injuring pride and Japan became more disillusioned with internationalism → pivot to militarism.
Washington Naval Conference
basic detail and outcomes
1920 - 1921
Including United States, Britain, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Portugal, China and Japan
* Rational for the lapse of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance (since 1902)
* Outlawed expansion of naval bases in the Pacific region
* Naval capacity limited at 60% of Britain and the US
* Returned territory to China (Shandong, which had been acquired ToV)
They would withdraw from these restrictions in 1934, rejecting cooperations/containment by Western Powers
Economic reasons for expansion
gd
Great Depression (1929–1941)
* An economy reliant on trade, this resulted in reduced exports, and cheaper ones (impact cost of agriculture and textile prices)
* Control of territories in the Asia-Pacific would gurantee a market for exports.
Economic-strategic reasons for expansion
control of neighbouring regions
- Geography (mountainous terrain) → not conducive to food production
- Growing population (65 million) → migrants could be sent to colonies to relieve pressure off mainland (food shortages including GD and 1923 earthquake)
- Lacking raw materials to keep its economy functioning, sustain rapid industrialisation and military development.
- Guaranteed market to bolster economy
Idealistic reason for expansion
Proud of their many accomplishments (Meiji, RJ, SJ) and resented racial slurs still prevalent.
* Rejected racial equality caluse in the Covenant of the LoN
* Felt humiliated, not esteemed as a Great Power (Yellow Peril, Washington Naval Conference) - rejected
* Due to this, internationalism was being replaced by nationalism, and collective security abandoned
* Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity sphere
idealistic reason for expansion
asia for asians
Creation of “Asia for Asians” to nobly justify their expansion through Asia Pacific
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere - hostile to Western imperial powers, “liberation” of European colonies.
Political reasons for expansion
- As military men had direct access to the Emperor, militarism dominated decision making. This is especially evident when the military gained veto power
- Especially evident from the Mukden incident - operated as separate to the civilian govt. and had increasing authority in politics.
Strategic reasons for expansion
- They felt encircled by enemy powers. Expansion would break this expansion
E.g. US economic interests in China and Philippines, British maritime empire in South and South East Asia, French possession in Indochina, competition with Russia for influence in China.
Withdrawal from LoN
March 1933
* In protest due due to demands of returning Manchuria to China.
* Resulted in expanding influence through China. Soon after, would abandon Washington Naval Conference restrictions, indicating naval arms build up.
Expansion in China (post LoN)
1937 - Second Sino Japanese War
By 1941 - many southern major ports.
Raping of Nanjing
Soviet-Japanese Border War
Several skirmishes 1932-37 as Japan attempted to expand into China, resulting in conflict with Russia (again). Key catalyst - Mukden incident
* Russia mobilised their army on the eastern border and will move much of their industry as they can to their western borders
Shift of US foreign policy
leading to pearl harbour too
US completely freezes oil and steel (ammunition, plane) supply to Japan - prevent expansion into British and Dutch territories and US does not want to be associated with Japan (Nanjing)
The trade blockade made it more urgent for Japan to secure oil, rubber and metal → radicalisation of strategic goals
8th December, 1941: Japan launched their attack on Pearl Harbour
* in quick succession, they will take Singapore, Guam, the Phillipines, Hong Kong and Malaya (all on the same day)
Meiji Restoration stat
1875 - 1913: 35x increase of coal production to 21.3 million tonnes. This was the main source for vehicles and industry
Japanese Ambition target: korea
- Largely be addressed through the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895), but forced to make recessions (Triple Intervention)
- Lease of Port Arthur –> Russo-Japanese War (1905), fighting for influence over the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria
- Japan will establish a military authoritarian rule over Korea
Target achieved!
