move to global war notes Flashcards
what is the international system
- The League of Nations: The facilitator of collective security [joint action of several nations against a single nation that has acted aggressively]. Types of action can include:
o Moral disapproval
o Economic sanctions
o Military sanctions - International treaties - pacts signed between government promising to follow suite in a particular direction. Examples include:
o Washington Conference system
o Nine-power treaty
what nationalist and militarist beliefs propelled japanese imperialistic foreign policies
- Desire to be on a par with the Western nations’ power
- Belief that they were Asia’s leader
- Needed raw materials and markets
- Growing regard for militarism, which claim to stand for nationalism
treaty of kanagawa 1854
Treaty of Kanagawa (1854)
American Naval Officer Matthew Perry forced the Japanese to sign, and given how China was terrorized into signing humiliating treaties after resisting, they had to agree.
Feudal system dismantled for a limited form of democracy. It led to reforms, specifically for the military [British aid to establish Navy ; took on German tactics]
effect of treaty of kanagawa 1854 on militarism
While there is no direct impact on militarism, it was the very foundations of the military - the institution that later goes on to take over the civilian government in shaped drastically by this treaty [as it opened Japan’s borders to the wider world, where it learnt and formed ties to build up its strength].
Additionally, it is likely that this is the point where the resentment towards the West started, in terms of the desire to become equal for fear of another attack or “bullying”.
Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)
Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895)
After winning the first Sino-Japanese War, the treaty positioned it as the first Asian world power with an empire
* Took islands [Formosa]
* Pay large indemnity
* Recognized Korea’s independence
HOWEVER
The West [Germany, USSR, France and Britain] all feared Japan’s growing power
* Forced them to give up Liaodong and other Chinese territory
effect of Treaty of Shimonoseki (1895) on militarism
The Reaction from the west was the primary driver for growing idea that militarism was needed against the (perceived) West, for this was the second major action of bullying.
This view was shared by the military, and this was reflected in the policy change that the ministerial representative of the army and naval had to now come from the higher ranking officers. It was also reflected in the increase of local industrial production over imports [in an unofficial target of autarky]
russo japanese war 1904-05
Interest in Korea and Manchuria clashed.
With a surprise attack, huge mobilization of the nation’s manpower [1 million sent to the front], and overstretching their economy, they won.
Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)
Gained control of Korea, South Manchuria, Port Arthur, etc.
effect of russo japanese war on militarism
This fuelled the Japanese’s nationalistic spirit to a limited degree. They were disappointed with the Treaty of Portsmouth as they thought more could be gained out of the treaty.
However, Japan gained tremendous respect from the West and from other Asian nations, as they defeated the Western powers.
* This “affirmed” Japan’s destiny to be the leader of Asia
reasons for entering world war 1 for japan
- Opportunities to expand its influence in Asia
Japan seized Germany’s bases on the Shandong Peninsula and occupy its south pacific possessions. - Issue of “21 Deamnds” on China
Included: (a) Extra commercial privileges in Manchuria (b) Could not lease coastal territory to other nations - Economic Growth
Trade with Allies and Asian markets [as the Allies could not maintain their colonies], leading to an increase in exports
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results of ww1 for japan
Results of WW1
German islands [Pacific Islands]
Failure to achieve the acceptance of the Racial Equality Clause in the LON”s Charter
effect of ww1 on miliatarism i japan
Overall, it contributed to the Japanese welfare. The more important fact came from the outcome, which was that Japan was on the winning side.
On a side note, the 21 Demands had to be modified because British, US and some Japanese parliamentary members thought they were too outrageous. This perhaps led to a degree of resentment, merely as a compounding factor.
This established Japan as an economic power on the mainland, and a main naval power in the West Pacific
This was a major blow to the Japanese, and an overt sign of the rejection of Asian-origins to be on a par with the West, thereby indicating that Japan would have to overpower the West [as being on a par would not be accepted every].
bolshevik rev in japan
Supported the Whites along with Britain, France and the US. However, the three nations left, and the Whites ended up losing to the Reds.
effect of bolshevik rev in japan
This caused a mistrust of Britain and the US for leaving at a crucial period. This may have contributed [to a limited degree] to their exponentially deteriorating relationship [in the initial phase].
It also caused protest because of the wasted resources and failure to control the arm, thereby undermining the people’s opinion of the liberal government.
A collection of Peace Treaties and ties throughout the 1920s
PM Hara’s policies to enter Japan into the League of Nations [accepted as a member of the council]
Foreign Minister Kijuro built Japan’s foreign policies around internationalism.
1. Developed Japan’s economy through economic advancements in China and good relationships with the US
2. Washington Conference (1921) ; Nine-Power Treaty (1922) ; Five-Power Treaty
Essentially these conferences established negotiations to maintain peace.
Some of the terms included to (a) respect China’s sovereignty (b) return Germany’s concessions (c) Restrict competitive rearmament
effect of a collection of peace treaties and ties throughout the 1920s
All treaties show Japanese willingness to cooperate in the international community, and this was supported by internal change to liberalism and democracy.
However, it should be noted that in many of these treaties, a number of concessions were made from the Japanese side, and therefore, it appears submissive to the government. An example would be the unfair ratio of armament for Britain, USA and Japan
[5:5:3]
This is a shift away from the typical viewpoint of how dangerous the West was, and how militarism was the defense line [instead of diplomacy]. It shows the discontinuity from the previously growing nationalism/militarism, and due to a lack of direct engagement with those two rising phenomenon, it plagues the system from behind, and grows out of proportion until it takes over the government.
Characterization of the Taisho Democracy:
- PM is typically the leader of the biggest political party, and controls the Diet [parliament]
- 1925: All adult males could vote.
- Society and mass media were open and very influential.
fragile democracy as weakness of the political system
- Financial scandals and election law violation
- Links with political parties and landlord and businesses
- Peace Preservation Law (1920)
There was a growing fear of left-wing radicalism, especially given that the democratic system provided them a platform for them to take over the government and take the spotlight.
Thus, this law was established to “clamp down opposition” against the democracy, specifically aimed at the communist.
effect of fragile democracy as weakness of the political system
Undermined the system from very early on as it lost the public’s trust and support. Essentially, corruption within the system caused it to lose respect.
This problem essentially set up a weak foundation for the democratic situation, and thereby gave people less reason to pursue democracy as the “ideal” form of governance. Despite the system itself not being entirely flawed [but rather lacking policies to keep in check the users of the system, who were the ones actually committing the offense], it did take the brunt as people became more militaristic in the views and beliefs.
Opposition to internationalism and support of military involvement in Politics as weakness of the political system
Hara’s plans were seen as “betrayal” of Japan by the conservatives and military: Bix - The Western nations used treaties to limited Japanese expansion overseas.
They instead campaigned for more aggressive policies against China, in order to build up their empire as the “future power of Asia”.
US quota on immigration that ignored Asiatics
With the coming of Emperor Hirohito, the revival of nationalism, the idea that the Emperor is a living God, and Japan’s “destiny” followed.
effect of Opposition to internationalism and support of military involvement in Politics as weakness of the political system
The existence of these views is proof of the underlying nationalistic/militaristic views that were ignored with the change of political approach with PM Hara. As it was not dealt with [rather just ignored], it was allowed to take root in politics, and eventually craft the case into why nationalism should be the forefront with the passing of international relations.
Seen as a “slap in the face” by the Japanese media, and even more so of a reason to not negotiate with them [as there was no mutual respect to have a conversation on]
This contributed [acceleration] to the nationalist ideology taking root among the people, as it was highly promoted and attached to an icon of cultural significance.
growing economy crisis as weakness of political system for japan
Economic boost was lost after the war ended [1921] as the West retrieved their former colony markets. It led to increasing unemployment, and subsequently industrial unrest.
Farmers suffered greatly from falling rice prices and police suppression when attempting to form political groups about their issues.
effect of growing economy crisis as weakness of political system for japan
This generated significant societal rifts - industrial unrest, divide between the urban and rural areas. By dividing the society, it allows people to become more emotional and angry.
This emotion was directed against the political system, which was linked with capitalist corruption
how is the political instability of china reason for japanese expansion
This appealing solution in a time of crisis “seduced” the Japanese to invade it as a colony. While Japan was in a desperate situation, it must be noted that imperialism and militaristic tactics were their preferred method of dealing with the issue, instead of diplomacy. This indicates how their other beliefs played into the characterization of how they dealt with the crisis and with China.
The positive feedback loop consists of the belief that Japan should rule Asia, Japan’s victories (showcasing its strength as proving its belief), and the rising popularity of Nationalism and Militarism. This was fed by China’s instability as it was evidence that other Asian nations could not take care of themselves, and needed the Japanese to take care of them.
Invasion and colonization by the West after losing the opium wars as political instability in china
European powers had conquered and divided China for their own economic, militaristic and legal gains on Chinese soil [it was effectively a colony]
While theoretically, China was independent, in practise, China was at the mercy of other nations, treaties and “gunboat diplomacy”.
The country was further destabilized by firstly warlords that did not unite the country, then a civil war between the GMD and the CCP.:
* The ruling party at the time of invasion prioritized defeating the communist over the foreign invaders [Japan]
drive to be equal with the est as polticial instability in china
Meji ambition to be a “first-class” nation encouraged it to gain territory on the mainland, to replicate the power of the other empires.
Additionally, China proved to be a source of raw materials and a market. But with the Europeans feeding off this source, Japan was motivated to invade quicker.
Also, by dominating these two areas, it would be a form of protection from the West/outside influence, given the border security and power Japan would get from controlling the two regions.
Perspectives of war between the USA-Japan
→ While Japanese expansionism was a crucial policy that was intentionally pursued, whether war was the primary method of conquering more land, or whether it was the last resort if negotiations failed, both consider Japan as the instigator of war.
→ Another perspective is that Japan only did a pre-emptive strike, as it felt threatened by US and British attempts of containment of the spread of Japanese influence.
Japan’s economy was hit during the Great Depression. Some of the political policies centred around handling it include:
Economy was hit hard, thus there was a salary cut for the civil and military sectors
Essentially these decisions outraged the Military, and criticisms of the government grew from here on out.
This dissatisfaction grew to the extent where the PM Hamaguchi was shot.
effect of Japan’s economy was hit during the Great Depression
While these policies may have been a consequence of the Great Depression calling for desperate measures, Hamaguchi had a political agenda of suppressing the power of the military.
Whether this was planned or the acts of a lonewolf, either way, it was a manifestation of the growth of the right’s militaristic view.
how had politics become radicalised in the militariss favour
Koda-Ha: Military dictatorship
* Saw the USSR as a threat and war inevitable
* Wanted national support for the military government, instead of using martial law
Tosei-Ha: Legal means to get military influence in the civilian government
* Wants good ties with the USSR
* Wants conquest of China, and see modernization of army and mobilization of the country as key.
effect of how politics become radicalised in the militariss favour
The manifestation of the internal change towards militarism - either party’s opinions ends up with the military gaining power. In a sense, it is an indication of the inevitable rise of the military from civilian support.
assassination plots (1932-34) may 15th incident
PM Inukai shot, along with other political figures, banks and the police in an assassination plot by military figures.
The assassinations accumulated its effect until the Kosei-ha was discredited, thereby allowing the Tosei-ha to become the overall ruling party.
To avoid losing face from showing that they had no control over the army, they also had to go along with the popular choice and support the Kwantung Army
effect of assassination plots (1932-34) may 15th incident
Not only did it signal the public’s disillusionment with the current civilian government, but public opinion has turned to militarism as the answer - in this sense, they had the public support to take over.
This period, also known as the “Dark Valley” shows the formative years were the unstable Japanaes politics reaches a balance with the success of the Tosei-ha, in terms of the direction into militarism that it was going to take. It should be important that this only directed the way into militaristic view, but the decision to become a militaristic society was already decided by the public, seen by the May 15th incident.
Weakness of civilian government in controlling the military
Many case scenarios have already shown how weak the civilian government was to the military’s influence. However, Prime Minister Hirota was bullied into submitting to the military agenda, including
* Ministers of Army and Navy must be serving officers [May 1936]
* Signed the Anti-Comintern Pact with Hitler
Even with Prince Konoe entering as PM, there was little that could be done as the politicians were not only divided on how to control the military, but their own agenda was very militarist in nature, and therefore, to stop the actions of the military meant stopping the fulfillment of their own agenda.
effect of weakeness of civilian government in controlling the military
This effectively made him a puppet figure for the military to control to gain concessions. It is from this point onwards, after gaining the concessions, that the military became too strong to be reigned down by the government, as seen by the continuation of the conquest of China despite governmental protest.
The continuation of the invasion of Manchuria and the inability to control the Army heavily stem from the militarist civilian government themselves for being torn between fulfilling their agenda of establishing their empire and using diplomacy over physical invasion, especially considering the international condemnation for doing so. As the civilian government was also subjected to the public’s opinion, which was highly persuaded by the success rate of the military, this weakened any legitimate action that the government could have done against the military without backlash from the people.
Expansionism into Southeast Asia [1938 onwards]
The Imperial Rule Assistance Association, created to limit military power, was overtaken by the military in October 1941. It was then used to focus on European colonies and invade South East Asia for resources, market, and mainly as the “destined ruler of Asia”
* Pressured France into being allowed to have troops and access to airspace in Indo-China
effect of Expansionism into Southeast Asia [1938 onwards]
This was occurring simultaneously with the Sino-Japanese War. While it was a huge resource sink, it was also the perfect opportunity to invade the south in terms of the resources it could offer, as well as satisfying Japan’s expansionist agenda. While it could be considered a miscalculation on the Japanese part, as the army was overstretched, it did present itself as an appealing target [the way Manchuria was before]
Warlords were under attack by the 1st United Front:
Zhang Zuolin was backed by the Japanese, and wanted to expand North, making him a target to the GMD.
Japan needs him as a stakeholder in China. Thus they come up with a plan to bring him back [by disarming his home base]. however… Kwantung leaders sought to assassinate him as an excuse to conquer Manchuria.
Internal effort to retract the army was undermined by the willingness to protect the “prestige of the army” over the political decisions.
effect of Warlords were under attack by the 1st United Front:
Zhang Zuolin was backed by the Japanese, and wanted to expand North, making him a target to the GMD.
Because the army was able to get away by the biased system, where the Taisho Democracy did not have a strong control over its army [likely due to the military commanders in the parliament, and not politicians representing the army], it undermined the liberal democracy.
It also increased the confidence of the army to continue their actions, as there was virtually no repercussions.
Reaction [or lack thereof] from the GMD concerning the invasion
The GMD conceded territory- Manchuria, Mongolia, and Hebei province. There was a combination of non-resistance, no-compromise, and non-direct negotiation with the Kwantung Army. Essentially, his strategy was “selling space to buy time”.
Jiang placed a gamble on the Japanese invasion by hoping it was self-destructive, as China was much bigger than Japan.
There was a boycott of Japanese goods in China, but that had minimal-to-no effect.
effect of Reaction [or lack thereof] from the GMD concerning the invasion
Hsü: Their inaction towards the Japanses invasion [like of initiative for diplomatic actions or even resistance] allowed the Kwantung army to get away with more damage. By staying passive and expecting the LON to aid was what brought the severe impact upon China.
Jiang’s prioritization of defeating the communist over the japanese on the basis of his belief that Japan would overstretch itself was not wrong, but without resistance, it would take longer to reach that point of overstretching.
Additionally, the civilian boycott indicates the divide between the government and the people, as the government does not reflect the opinion of the people to fight the Japanese first. This instability in China was essentially a helping stand for Japan to reach its goal.
China was willing to fight for Manchuria, thus pushed the Military to invade (1931)
The 2nd United Front was formed to challenge the Japanese influence in Manchuria [after General Zhang had Jiang kidnapped and put under house arrest until he agreed to fight the Japanese first].
While the Government wanted to follow a peaceful position, the militants wanted to invade Manchuria.
After PM Wakatsuki was informed, he attempted to stop the invasion, but the message did not get passed on in time [deliberately]
[ended with a puppet government set up, and a japanese-chinese clash that created a huge refugee crisis for China]
effect of China was willing to fight for Manchuria, thus pushed the Military to invade (1931)
Bix: Emperor Hirohito never imagined that the army would undermine the emperor’s authority through subtle tactics that did not show outright defiance to the system [given that they needed him as the icon to gather the support of the people].
Essentially, it showed how flawed the system of control over the army was, because it had the power to unilaterally act on its own, as well as disregard yet another diplomatic order [that too from the strongest position in the governance].
results of japanese invasion
Any economic benefits were negated by the operation cost of the army in China
* Taxation increased to support Manchurian invasion
effect of the (results of) the japanese invasion
Jiang’s belief was right.
Additionally, it is ironic that the cost of invasion outdid its benefits, even though resources and market priority was few of the main aims - contradiction in foreign policy: may suggest either their intentions for invasion were different than what was put forward, or that they severely underestimated their ability.
International Involvement: The League of Nations backlash (1932) and the Lytton Committee
When the Chinese appealed after the Mukden incident, the Japanese government co-operated. At this point, the civilian government were in power, but they had lost control of the army, and were willing to control and take back the military.
The League acted cautiously, and it took around 18 months for an international committee to be sent out to examine the area and what had happened [called the Lytton committee].
Japan held accountable for losing control of its own army, and condemned the invasion.
At this point, the army had taken over the government, and therefore, Japan saw this as unfair treatment given how the West all had colonies throughout Asia as well.
Thus, left the LON and abandoned the international community all together
Condemnation and foreign criticism led to the rise of nationalism
effect of International Involvement: The League of Nations backlash (1932) and the Lytton Committee
The time lost through the delay and long process not only undermine the ability of the League to quickly deal with the issue, because not only was the Kwantung army still actively invading Manchuria, but the military was also attempting to overrun the government with its own soldiers, but it lost the belief of its members in its capabilities to be an international peacemakers, especially considering that this is the first major power to challenge the international order.
With the policy of isolation, the government had shifted away from international cooperation and towards fulfilling their own agenda of militarism and nationalism.
This was especially effective in showing the Japanese that the nation was above the judgements of the West. Given the West’s hypocritical nature, it created a nationalist reaction against their unfair claim that if the leaders of the LON could have colonies, then so should the Japanese. Here, British politics can be blamed for being inadequate due to their appeasement politics and possession of colonies, while claiming to be the supporters of freedom and the leader of the LON.
The people were influenced heavily by the culture of “reputation”, that any blow to their face would only drive them to prove themselves right.
why was there no strong reaction to (the lack of) International Involvement: The League of Nations backlash (1932) and the Lytton Committee
- France perceived a weaker China beneficial for its Indo-China colonies
- The Great Depression hindered the League’s ability to impose economic and military sanctions
- Fear of communism overshadowed the need to control Japan’s expansionism [France and Britain even tried to make Japan their enemy]
- American direct interest were not at risk, and due to internal priorities [economy], Congress refused to fund navy to engage with Japan.
- Japan was an important trading partner with America, and therefore, less willingness to challenge their invasion [especially if it means more resources for trading]
Essentially, prioritizing of other agendas, and not pursuing the League’s purpose led to the weak reaction that set off a chain reaction of the Axis powers individually leaving the League, and other such decisions [Mussolini to invade Albania]
7th july 1937 marco polo bridge
The army entered China through Korea without Tokyo’s permission. Reinforcement was sent later, leading to a full-scale war. China never conceded, so a full eight years was fought.
End of July - Japanese forces overran Beijing, and Shanghai was a war zone.
Attempts at forming a diplomatic union with China, Japan and Manchuria failed, but the Chinese rejected this proposal.
The Japanese were extremely brutal in their actions, through terrorizing Chinese refugees and through the Rape of Nanjing [Dec 1937]
effect of 7th july 1937 marco polo bridge
Although there is little evidence to suggest that the Japanese actually instigated this war, Historian Boyle argues that Japan still created an atmosphere of fear and animosity, to the point where a small incident could progress into a 8-year war.
As communism slowly took over China during the war, the Japanese ran out of options to fulfill their agenda of creating an empire when the next government would not be manipulated by a foreign party. This narrowed the range of paths the Japanese were willing to take to solely taking over and establishing influence through force.
Through the course of the war, it became increasingly obvious that there was no end-goal for the war, no proper strategy, which not only supports the notion that this was a war the Japanese were not prepared for [at the time of it breaking out]. It later proved to not only force the Japanese south, which appeared to be convenient to their agenda while simultaneously destructive because the economic and resource condition was not adequate enough to sustain the war and expansion.
Retaliation from the 2nd United Front
Total resistance was established.
As the war escalated, the Japanes slowly faced a depleting supply of resources [therefore, couldn’t quickly win the war]. To deal with this issue, the Japanese invaded more land to plunder their resources
With the Second World War, the Sino-Japanese conflict turned into a sector of global war against aggression and totalitarianism.
effect of retailiation from the 2nd united fron
The contradicting ‘solution’ to their problem of low supply of resources was a major miscalculation that led to more ineffective actions - to invade land it takes more resources, and therefore, it forced the Japanese to keep expanding in order to gain resources to maintain the land they had, which in turn gives them more land and a higher demand of resources to maintain the land they had conquered previously for resources and the original land they had controlled. Without any ability to consolidate their power in the regions taken over, it caused them to spread out too far without establishing much control, which would later bring their downfall.
The US’ action at this point is still very subtle, and not direct enough to curb Japanese action. Furthermore, by supporting the corrupted government, it spurred a nationalist reaction against the GMD from the people, and therefore made their chances of success domestically much lower.
International Reaction (After 1932)
The League
It was unable to become involved in a non-member’s politics, and within the nations that had international agreements with Japan, none could do anything except moral disapproval, either because there was no methods sanctioned through the treaty on how to deal with aggressive powers, or because they were preoccupied with the other aggressive nations [Germany / Italy]
The US
Stimson Doctrine [of non-recognition] - The US would not recognize any violation of Chinese territory or of the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
* Done to publicly ‘uphold’ international law, but avoid the pressure to put economic sanction.
effect of Changing Diplomatic alignment: the Axis Powers
- Admiration for Nazi Germany
- USSR identified as key opponent
- Join anti-comintern pact (1936)
All the while, Japan never dissolved the cabinet government or had fascist parties. Rather, the militarist joined pre-existing parties and override them with time.
effect of Changing Diplomatic alignment: the Axis Powers
This signifies the strengthening of Japan’s confidence in its militaristic views, by joining Nazi Germany [who was also perceived to have the same goals], as well as released the legal bonds holding them back from their agenda.
Tripartite Pact and Neutrality Pact
[Italy and Germany]
Perfect alliance because Asia would be left alone to the Japanese, and aid from the colonizing countries would not be delivered because they would be engaged with the Italians and Germans.
Settle northern border disputes with the USSR [beneficial to both parties]
British and American response was to freeze all the assets [foreign trade stopped] and increased aid to Jiang [The oil loans]
Embargo included:
Plane/Aviation parts sales [Jan 1929], Credit to Japan ceased, and Trade Agreements suspended [increase economic pressure on Japan]
effect of Tripartite Pact and Neutrality Pact
[Italy and Germany]
The freezing of assets was an ironic use of diplomatic action because it in fact pushed Japan to invade South East Asia at an accelerated rate because it was the only other source of resources and income that could make up by the stopping of foreign trade. A long-term embargo would be fatal, and hit the economy severely, and thus, forces Japan to continue on its foreign policy [without the ability to limit to a smaller degree in a less pressurized scenario]. This factor, while being in line with America’s isolationism and Britain’s engagement with Germany, was a rather pitiful action that did not appear thought through.
[Build up to the Pearl Harbour action] Japanese naval building programme launched [1936]
1) ‘Upset’ power balance in the Pacific
2) Penetration into North and Central China was more of a liability to the US’ idea of potential trade.
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While financial aid was provided, there was no political intervention mostly due to the lack of willingness [1937 - Roosevelt made a speech, speaking about the ‘quarantine of aggressors’, but he was shut down by isolationists.
effect of [Build up to the Pearl Harbour action] Japanese naval building programme launched [1936]
The US consistently prevents any interaction with Japan due to its neutrality policy. However, by allowing the army to continue escalating in their action [such as rearming their navy], essentially allowed Japan to do what Hitler did to the USSR: build-up enough strength until they were [or perceived themselves to be] ready for war against them. The lack of US intervention, as one of the only countries that could impact the Japanese enough to control them, allowed them to rampage with their own agenda freely [until 1941, when it became too late].
Negotiations with the US [after trade embargo (1941)]
The US wanted Japan to respect territorial integrity of its neighbours, and maintain an ‘open door’ trade policy within territory.
* Japan could not agree, leading to a deadlock
From this, the Japanese were convinced that the West was attempting to destroy Japan’s “rightful place”. Thus, the Japanese Navy made ‘alternate’ plans - 10th October, if there was no deal, war would be waged on the US, Britain and the Netherlands
* Backed by cabinet.
effect of Negotiations with the US [after trade embargo (1941)]
It appears that the US underestimated the Japanese willingness to fight, mainly because of their inability to be flexible with their demanda to the Japanese, despite them being the ones who instigated the negotiations. Additionally, attempting negotiations while keeping up the trade embargos also served as a deter because it hinders the Japanese ability to stall their efforts for the negotiations, as it would otherwise lead to a major scarcity of resources for the war and the homeland.
[December 1941]
Pearl Harbour attack
Japanese bombers attacked the US naval base in Hawaii. Despite 90% of the mid-Pacific air and sea power destroyed/badly damaged, the aircraft carrier capability survived, which was a huge contributor to Japan’s loss.
2403 military and civilian people were killed before war was waged.
Reaction from the US:
* American people were united for a war against the Japanese
* Congress accepted Roosevelt’s Declaration of War
* Increased Britain’s morale because, as Churchill remarked, the entry of the US in WWII would be a guaranteed win.
effect of dec 1941 pearl harbour attack
The Americans, having underestimated the Japanese ability, were extremely angered by the “deceitful” nature of the dual action [negotiations and military attack]
This move was also a terrible idea by the Japanese [ a miscalculation of their foresight of American reaction ] because it was a key event that allowed the government to convince the public to enter a state of war. Additionally, due to the failure to destroy the most crucial military assets [aircraft carriers], the Japanese had set up their own doom.
Japan’s economy was severely hit after great depression
Japan was highly dependent on global trade, and when tariffs increased, exports in turn decreased.
* Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act: duty of 200% on Japanese goods
Plummeted the silk industry
This crisis made Manchuria appealing because of:
* Resources
* Living space for the Japanese overpopulation
* Buffer against the USSR
* Market that could withstand the Great Depression.
effect of Japan’s economy was severely hit after great depression
There was global questioning of the international economic order. It turned into major distrust in democratic states, thereby deteriorating the relationship between the West and Japan.
Essentially, the Japanese were forced into a situation that catered to both their imperialistic aims and their domestic issues. As they already had strong bases there, it offers little benefits invading the area because one could get them through trade or diplomacy. It was only through direct control could Japan attain its living space and full control of the resources. Thus, it appears to be a matter of situational pressure to carry out its imperialist goals in this manner.
