The Move to Global War Flashcards
1
Q
The Impact of Japanese Nationalism and Militarism on Foreign Policy
A
- Japanese nationalism and militarism led Japan to invade China and other Southeast Asian territories
- the ideology was promoted by Japanese military leaders who wished to increase Japanese power and prestige
- The Japanese expansion increased tension with other nations
2
Q
Japanese domestic issues and their impact
A
- There was a growing divide between urban and rural populations. Urban areas became increasingly large and modernized, while rural areas lagged behind in terms of development and access to resources. The divide fueled tension since urbanization led to a shift from traditional agricultural practices
- There was a rise of extremist political groups; many of these promoted nationalism and militarism. These groups gained significant power and influence and often worked outside the established political system. This contributed to a breakdown in political stability and was part of the reason of Japan’s aggressive Asian expansionism
- The Great Depression led to widespread unemployment and poverty, especially in rural areas
3
Q
Japanese political issues
A
- there was a rise of authoritarianism. political leaders could not properly address the issues of the Great Depression, which led to a rise of extremist groups.
- political leaders could not address the divide between urban and rural populations; this led to an increase of tension because there were no effective policies to address the inequalities
- the rise of extremist groups sought to increase Japanese power and prestige through expansion, which led to tension with other powers
- The inability of political leaders to address pressing domestic issues contributed to the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms, which had major consequences for Japan’s foreign policy and its role in the international community.
4
Q
Japanese economic issues
A
- the Japanese economy was dependent on world trade; exports fell once states created tariffs to protect their infrastructure; Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 caused duties on Japanese goods to rise by as much as 20%
- the Silk industry was hurt the most; In 1932, it had fallen to less than 1/5 of what it had been in 1923; Farmers relied on silk production for income, so it resulted in almost 3 million unemployed
- The Chinese territory of Manchuria had a wealth of resources (coal, iron, and timber); Japan wanted these resources to gain a market for its manufactured goods; Manchuria could also provide an area for its population since Japan was quickly becoming overcrowded.
5
Q
Foreign Relations
A
- The Treaty of Versailles: this granted Japan control of German occupied territories from WWI in Asia; Japan proposed a racial equality clause for the League of Nations charter, but it was rejected and furthered a divide between the Western and Eastern world
- the Five-Power Naval Limitation Act: this was signed by the US, Britain, Japan, France, and Italy; restricted warship tonnage; US and Britain received 500,000 while Japan only received 300,000 tons. Japan wanted to receive the same tonnage as the US and Britain
- Nine-Power Treaty: signatories agreed to respect Chinese territory
- Japan was condemned by other countries after expanding into Manchuria and left the League of nations as well as the Washington treaty system in 1933
6
Q
Political Instability in China
A
- Nationalist Party in China: led by Jiang Jieshi; Began a campaign of national unification (Included anti-foreigner rhetoric and demands to end the unequal treaties that the great powers (including Japan) had forced China to sign)
- Communist Party: Communist Party: Formed by 1921; Led by Mao Zedong
- United Front: Jiang Jieshi and Mao Zedong joined to form this; Launched a “Northern Expedition” to consolidate central government control and wrest power from the warlords
- War: Nationalists vs Communists; From 1927 directed energies and focus of Jiang towards defeating Communists rather than Japanese
