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To what extent was Japan
forced to wage WWII in the Asia
Pacific
Consider:
1.
2.
Whether Japan had no choice but to fight?
What were these reasons why Japan
waged war in Asia Pacific?

Paris Peace Conference
Japan called for the eradication of racial
discrimination against Japanese immigrants in USA
during the Peace Conference
It wanted equality for all foreign immigrants to the
countries in the League of Nations
But it was not passed as it did not gain the
support of Britain and Australia
Cause much unhappiness among some
Japanese as they feel insulted

Analysis:
Analysis
In the long-run, Japan wanted to prove herself as an equal of
the western powers by making a successful military conquest
on its own in its neighbouring region. If Japan could be a
colonial master itself and establish a bigger empire, Japan
could be recognised as a powerful nation. Therefore, Asia-
Pacific was targeted by the Japanese military.

2. Crisis in Japan
Overpopulation
Japan’s population grew from 45 million in 1900 to
64 million by 1930
Led to a greater demand for more resources
(house, land, food, consumer goods etc)
Many Japanese were relocated to Manchuria to
address this overpopulation issue

Analysis:
Japanese leaders saw the capture of Asia-Pacific
territories as a solution to their economic problems.
Conquering these areas would ensure Japan’s access to
more fertile land, more raw materials and a ready market
for Japanese goods.
Autarky could thus be achieved. Hence, Japan waged a
war in the Asia-Pacific region.

3. Japanese expansionist
foreign policy
The Japanese embarked on an expansionist foreign
policy to acquire resources for a fast growing
population
Limited resources and relies heavily on trade with
other countries
But because of the Great Depression, it was difficult
for Japan to acquire raw materials from overseas
Thus the Japanese justified their acquisitions
overseas as essential for the growth of their country
The militarists in Japan also used the expansionist
policy as a means to achieve equality and recognition
amongst the world powers.

3. Japanese expansionist
foreign policy
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
A plan to dominate East Asia and Southeast Asia
Expel European colonial powers and replace them with
satellite states loyal to Japan
Manchurian model of governance to extend throughout East
Asia and Southeast Asia
Wanted the raw resources in these countries
Independent movements in Southeast Asia was attracted to the
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere as it offers them an
opportunity to achieve independence from their colonial rulers
It was really just a policy to replace European
colonial powers with Japanese domination

Analysis:
With the growing influence of the military leaders in
the Japanese government and their pro-war stand, it
ensured that Japan would turn to war than
negotiation in its dealings with the Asia-Pacific
region. The militarists’ extreme nationalistic ideas of
wanting to strengthen Japan and acquiring
international status also led to their aggressive
stance towards countries in the Asia-Pacific.

4. Weakness of the League
of Nations
Mukden Incident and invasion of Manchuria
18 Sept 1931 a bomb exploded near the
Japanese-owned railway near Mukden
Japanese Army blamed the Chinese nationalists
Used the attack in Mukden as a pretext to the full
invasion of Manchuria
Formed a satellite state known as Manchukuo

of Nations
Mukden Incident and invasion of Manchuria
China and the other great powers condemned the
invasion and formation of Manchukuo
Investigation by League of Nations showed that
Japan’s action went beyond self-defence
Japan was condemned by League of Nations
As a result, Japan walked out of the League of
Nations and the League was reluctant and
powerless to stop this aggressive policy by Japan

of Nations
Second Sino-Japanese War
Broke out in 1937 after the Marco Polo Bridge
incident
Tension over a military training exercise and
missing Japanese soldier
Finally broke out in war
China appealed to League for help but Western
powers were reluctant to get involved
Europe was also preoccupied with Hitler and his
expanionist policy

Analysis:
The League’s inaction convinced Japanese military leaders
that the Western powers were too weak to prevent the
expansion of Japan. This gave Japan greater confidence to
continue their acts of aggression against China to further the
Japanese interests. The League would have prevented a
large-scale Japanese invasion of China had they taken tough
action against Japan for its aggression in Manchuria.

Analysis:
The western powers put their homeland in Europe in a
higher priority of importance as compared to their colonies
in Asia-Pacific. Japan saw this as a good opportunity to
attack and successfully take over the colonies of the various
western powers while they were pre-occupied with the
Germans. Thus, Japan declared war on the Asia-Pacific
region.

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