Japanese Expansion 1931-1941

Manchurian Crisis

Japan wanted some of China's natural resources and space. in 1932 Japan annexed an area in Manchuria after an alleged attack by the Chinese in 1931. League of Nations did nothing

Manchukuo

In 1932 Japan established this puppet state in their conquered territories of Manchuria. In 1933 the League of Nations reprimanded Japan, and so the nation withdrew from the organization, which was at the same time as Germany withdrawing as well

Anti-Comintern Pact

In 1936 Japan signed this with Germany and it was later ratified by Italy. It was in opposition to Communism but actually proved to be the foundation for diplomatic alliance between these three powers. Each now had allies and pushed their demands for individual success. In 1938 Mussolini was willing to accept the German absorption of Austria which he had resisted in 1934.

Imperial Rule Assistance Association

Association founded by PM Konoe Fumimaro designed to become a new and unifying political party. Banned all other political parties

Non Aggression Pact (1941)

Five Year Neutrality Pact between Japan and the Soviet Union

Marco Polo Bridge Incident

A clash between Japanese and Chinese troops in the outskirts of Beijing on July 7, 1937. The Japanese government used this as an excuse to occupy Beijing. When Chiang Kai Shek refused to give way, full-scale war broke out between China and Japan.

Sino-Japanese War

On July 7, 1937, fighting began at the Marco Polo Bridge. It is not clear who started that fighting. The military pushed for more reinforcements despite Prince Konoye's attempts to restrain them. By the end of July, Japanese forces had taken control of Beijing. Japanese used air raids on civilian population.

National Mobilization Bill (1938)

Gave the Japanese emperor or government ministers the power to give orders regarding the economy without the approval of the Diet.

Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (1938)

A imperialistic system founded by Japan consisting of other Asian countries during the early 20th century. Japan reduced its members to puppet nations, taking their raw materials and using them as new markets.

Tripartite Pact

Signed between the Axis powers in 1940 (Italy, Germany and Japan) where they pledged to help the others in the event of an attack by the US