Japan's Expansion in East Asia (1931–1941)

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the case study on Japan's expansion in East Asia between 1931 and 1941.

Meiji Restoration

Event in 1868 that ended the feudal shogunate, restored the emperor, and initiated rapid modernization in Japan.

First Sino-Japanese War

Conflict (1894-95) in which Japan defeated China, gaining control of Taiwan and influence over Korea and Manchuria.

Russo-Japanese War

Conflict (1904-05) where Japan became the first Asian power to defeat a European power, gaining prestige and rights in Manchuria.

Washington Naval Conference

A 1921-22 meeting aimed at naval disarmament that angered Japan due to the imposed ratio of naval forces.

Mukden Incident

A staged attack by the Japanese Kwantung Army in 1931 that served as a pretext for invading Manchuria.

Manchukuo

A puppet state established by Japan in Manchuria led by former Chinese emperor Pu Yi.

Second Sino-Japanese War

Conflict from 1937-1945 marked by Japanese invasion of China, leading to widespread atrocities and civilian casualties.

Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

Japanese propaganda that promoted Asian unity but was aimed at establishing Japanese dominance over Asian territories.

Tripartite Pact

The 1940 alliance formed between Japan, Germany, and Italy during World War II.

Stimson Doctrine

The U.S. policy of non-recognition of Japan's puppet state Manchukuo established in 1932.