The foremost cause of World War II was imperialism. After the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler began recouping the nation’s loses in 1936 when he invaded the Rhineland, a demilitarized part of the country. The rest of the world allowed this, reflecting the then-fashionable policy of appeasement. Though this decision is condemned now, it seemed sensible to a war-fatigued Europe. In the Origins of World War II, Keith Eubank writes, “it would have been an arduous - if not impossible - task to arouse the British and French peoples to fight a war over German soldiers occupying German territory” (56). Therefore, appeasement was deemed the most practical and prudent option at the time.
Japanese imperialism was also born around the same time period. During the Meiji Era, Japan’s population began to increase rapidly; this was concerning for a country with small land holdings and few natural resources. Due to this need for raw materials, as well as a sense of racial and cultural superiority, Japan …show more content…
However, the occupation of the Netherlands and France signified both risk and opportunity; if Japan obtained the Dutch and French territories in the region, it would mean resources and strategic advantages. Additionally, if America of Britain got them, it could cause complications (Parker, 78). In 1940, Japan entered the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy “to share in the spoils, at the eventual expense of the British Empire” (Parker, 78). A year later, President Roosevelt sent a message offering to neutralize Indo-China, but by the time it arrived, Japan had already invaded it. This led to the US ordering an oil embargo, causing tension between the countries to erupt. Despite this, American politicians and citizens were not interested in a war with Japan. However, immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbour, the U.S. declared war. Germany and Italy also declared war on America following
Japanese imperialism was also born around the same time period. During the Meiji Era, Japan’s population began to increase rapidly; this was concerning for a country with small land holdings and few natural resources. Due to this need for raw materials, as well as a sense of racial and cultural superiority, Japan …show more content…
However, the occupation of the Netherlands and France signified both risk and opportunity; if Japan obtained the Dutch and French territories in the region, it would mean resources and strategic advantages. Additionally, if America of Britain got them, it could cause complications (Parker, 78). In 1940, Japan entered the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy “to share in the spoils, at the eventual expense of the British Empire” (Parker, 78). A year later, President Roosevelt sent a message offering to neutralize Indo-China, but by the time it arrived, Japan had already invaded it. This led to the US ordering an oil embargo, causing tension between the countries to erupt. Despite this, American politicians and citizens were not interested in a war with Japan. However, immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbour, the U.S. declared war. Germany and Italy also declared war on America following