Rise of Imperial Japan Flashcards
1
Q
What were Japans Visions?
A
Racial Hierarchy (Japan as rightful leader)
Anti Western Dominance (Imperialism as liberation)
Claimed Unity for Asia
Reality (Control and dehumanization)
2
Q
What were some Key events in Japans buildup to WW2?
A
- FIrst Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895): Victory over China
- Russo Japanese War (1904 - 1905): First Asian victory over a European power
- Impact: Inspired nationalist pride, fueled belief in japan
3
Q
Why did Japan select Manchuria?
A
- Strategic Location (Gateway to Aisia)
Resources: Rich in coal, iron, timber and farmland - Historical Ties: Influences since the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905)
- Mukden incident (1931), planted bombs on railway and blamed chinese nationalists
- Pretext for full scale Invasion
4
Q
Why did the West show weakness in addressing the Manchuria issue?
A
- Western Powers focused on Great Depression recovery
- Europe prioritized Nazi Germany as the main threat
- Leagues structure lacked military capacity
5
Q
What impacts did Militarization have on Japan?
A
- Military dominance post– - Manchuria Assassinations of Civilian Leaders (May 15 Incident, 1932, murdered prime minister)
- Schools and Media glorify war as a sacred duty
6
Q
What did the Role of Purity have on Japan?
A
- Loyalty and Self Sacrifice equated to moral and spiritual purity
- Purity seen as sacrifice to the Nation and Emperor
Self sacrifice seen as purity
Indoctrination begins in schools; emperor forever
7
Q
What was the Rape of Nanking?
A
- 200,000 killed, widespread sexual violence Dehumanization of Chinese justifies (Obstacles for Japan’s Purity)
8
Q
What were Japans Strategic Dilemmas?
A
- Army: Advocates northern expansion (Soviet Union)
- Navy: Focuses on southern expansion (Southeast Asia)
9
Q
What were some Key themes in the Japanese War?
A
- Ideology Matters: Racial superiority drove policy and atrocities
- System Fail: League of Nations Unable to check Japan
- War is dehumanizing: Ordinary individuals became perpetrators of violence
