Many of the world powers of the 20th century were searching for or ensuring their continued possession of power. For Japan, their power fluctuated, depending on whether they were in times of war or peace, prosperity or poverty, and their allegiances. After having fought alongside the Allies during World War I, Japan prospered, but was then discriminated against, leading Japan to switch sides and join the Axis powers in World War II. Japan entered into World War II seeking power by means of land, natural resources, and military dominance.
Though Japan thought they were dominant in the mid 19th century they were significantly behind the United States, leading to reformation. In 1853 the United States forced Japan into signing the Convention …show more content…
Japan’s resources were limited while its population was continually increasing. By joining the Allies they were able to legally conquer certain islands in the Pacific from Germany. This gave them more resources and gave them heightened dominance in the Pacific ocean because they were able to set up naval bases and increased trade. The increased trade allowed for more foreign products to be brought supplying more resources for the people, while increasing export, bettering Japan’s economy. They also took over a small amount of land in China and the South Manchurian Railway (which would play a significant part in the starting the Second Sino-Japanese War). Many western powers believed that Japan should have taken over a part of China’s mainland. Japan was frustrated by these complaints because they believed that many of the western powers had done much of the same. Being a part of the Allies strengthened Japan’s resources and Pacific dominance while deteriorating their positive relations with the …show more content…
After industrializing in the late 19th century, they allied with the Ally powers in World War I, leading to much prosperity. They were very successful until the Great Depression hit the world and Japan’s imports were severely limited while the export percentages decreased significantly. Throughout all of these events the army began gaining more power as only their officers could hold important government positions. As they became more influential, Japan’s actions became more militarily focused. This was exhibited by the invasion of Manchuria, which helped rebuild Japan’s economy and assert their military dominance. This was the first of many skirmishes that lead to the start of the Second Japanese-Sino War, Japan’s unofficial entrance to World War II. Japan’s reasoning for entering World War II is significant because it displays the extents of what countries will do in order to achieve authority and
Though Japan thought they were dominant in the mid 19th century they were significantly behind the United States, leading to reformation. In 1853 the United States forced Japan into signing the Convention …show more content…
Japan’s resources were limited while its population was continually increasing. By joining the Allies they were able to legally conquer certain islands in the Pacific from Germany. This gave them more resources and gave them heightened dominance in the Pacific ocean because they were able to set up naval bases and increased trade. The increased trade allowed for more foreign products to be brought supplying more resources for the people, while increasing export, bettering Japan’s economy. They also took over a small amount of land in China and the South Manchurian Railway (which would play a significant part in the starting the Second Sino-Japanese War). Many western powers believed that Japan should have taken over a part of China’s mainland. Japan was frustrated by these complaints because they believed that many of the western powers had done much of the same. Being a part of the Allies strengthened Japan’s resources and Pacific dominance while deteriorating their positive relations with the …show more content…
After industrializing in the late 19th century, they allied with the Ally powers in World War I, leading to much prosperity. They were very successful until the Great Depression hit the world and Japan’s imports were severely limited while the export percentages decreased significantly. Throughout all of these events the army began gaining more power as only their officers could hold important government positions. As they became more influential, Japan’s actions became more militarily focused. This was exhibited by the invasion of Manchuria, which helped rebuild Japan’s economy and assert their military dominance. This was the first of many skirmishes that lead to the start of the Second Japanese-Sino War, Japan’s unofficial entrance to World War II. Japan’s reasoning for entering World War II is significant because it displays the extents of what countries will do in order to achieve authority and