Japanese Expansion

Japan modernized between 1868 and World War I. It emerged as a modern industrial economy with giant companies that assumed great importance as trading enterprises and in World War One, Japan had acquired the German islands north of the Equator. The Japanese mainland was barely touched by World War I and as a result Japanese industry had expanded to fill the gap left by Europe's devastated industry. However Japan had an ever increasing and demanding population and did not have sufficient natural resources to sustain itself.

With the onset of the Great Depression the Japanese government had no solutions to the problems that were presented by the worldwide economic climate. The unemployed of Japan looked to the strength of the army to assist their plight rather than to the weak politicians. As a result the Japanese government looked towards taking over provinces of China by force to acquire their resource needs. Japan attacked Manchuria in 1931 and began to invest vast sums of money into the economy of Manchuria, which was effectively controlled by the South Manchuria Railway Company.

However Japan had the problem that the Soviet Union was geographically a close neighbour to China and as a result could hinder a Japanese conquest of the greater Asia area. Japan needed allies to support them in the event of a war with the Soviet Union. Adolf Hitler of Germany was happy to help and the two nations signed the Anti-Comintern pact in November 1936.

The Japanese aggression into China also presented a problem with the United States of America, as they had commercial interests in China. Hitler, not wanting to confront the USA signed an agreement with Japan and Italy in September 1940 titled the Tripartite Pact. This pact ensured that if the United States entered the war they would have to face Japan, Italy and Germany.

Exercises:

On a new page in your books put the Heading “Japanese Empire Expansion”. Under the heading write a 1/2 page summary based upon the information above. After you have completed the summary, write the following sub-headings and the questions in your books and answer them in full sentences using the links to the websites listed below.

Japan and Manchuria

1. Why did Japan invade Manchuria?
2. What year did Japan invade Manchuria?
3. What was the League?
4. What did Japan do to protect its investments?
5. What was the excuse that Japan used?
6. Explain what happened between the Japanese government and the army?

Using Sources

1. Using Source C, what does this tell historians about the attitude of the British towards Japan's empire expansion? Explain your answer
2. Using Source D, What is the cartoonist suggesting about the League, the Japanese army, John Simon and other western diplomats? Explain your answer
3. Using Source E, What is the cartoonist suggesting about Japan? Explain your answer
4. Using this Map, list the countries that border the Japanese controlled area
5. What impact do you think the size and proximity of this area could possibly have on Australia? Explain your answer
6. Using the same map, click on the word "Japan" and from the information available in the new window, draw a timeline in your books beginning at 18th September 1931 and ending at 7th December 1941