On August 15th, 1914, Japan sent Germany an ultimatum; evacuate Tsing-tau, disarm the warships, and hand the territory over. When Germany blatantly ignored their requests, war was declared on August 23rd. Within days, Japan had already made their first play by moving into the German islands around the mouth of the harbour at Kiao-chau. With the help of the Allies, Japan managed to regain Tsing-tau and Kiao-chau, along with surrounding islands, by November 6th. After accomplishing what they wanted, they remained in the war due to a treaty signed years previously with the British that stated they would help in times of war. For the next few years, Japan contributed to the Allies by patrolling the Atlantic Ocean, and smaller seas, and shipping artillery to Russia. They had one of the strongest Navies in the war, and they were able to prevent many German attacks on the water thanks to their 21 first- and second-class cruisers, 10 superb ncw destroyers, with a reserve of 20 others, as well as 20 battleships and battlecruisers. Japan, however, did not have any particularly harsh feelings toward Germany, and did not want revenge when it came to The Treaty.
When the country delegates gathered for the Paris Peace Conference, many of the Allies wanted Germany to pay for how much damage …show more content…
They may not have been viewed as a powerful country at the time, but they did manage to control many territories in China and Germany and they stopped Germany from attempting to cross smaller seas in the region. Their part was small but very significant and will always remain in the hearts of people