Key Events and Treaties in Early 20th Century Japan and International Relations

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

Who: Britain and Japan

What: Britain was worried about Russia's expansion in Asia. It had no intent of allowing Russia to expand. Unable to afford a large naval fleet or army, Britain formed an alliance with Japan

When: 1902

Sig :Japan and Britain would aid each other militarily if either were at war with two or more countries. IF either countrie was at war with onlyone state, the other would stay neutral

Paris Peace conference

WHo: COuntries of ww1

What: Japan was one of the victorious powers that determined the world's peace after ww1

when:1919

Where: Paris

Sig: Japan grew resentful b/c of the Japanese proposal for a racial equality clause in the League of Nations Covenant(which was formed at the Paris Peace conference), which fueled Japanese opposition to the Western powers. Japan did, however, secure German territories in the Pacific and rights in Shandong, China.

League of Nations

Who: Countries of WW1

What: an association by nations established in 1920 to promote international cooperation and peace, and no wars

when:1919-1940

sig: Japan was one of the founding members of the LON, but often felt disrespected by other powers in the LON. IT was the first international organization to promote international peace, cooperation, and security.

Russo-Japanese War

Who: Russia and Japan

What: conflict between the Russian and Japanese Empires over competing imperial interests in Manchuria and Korea, resulting in a decisive Japanese victory.

when:1904-1905

Sig: Japan's emergence as a major power, its victory over a European nation marking the end of European colonial dominance in Asia. It led to the Treaty of Portsmouth

Treaty of Portsmouth

Who: Russia and Japan

What:1905 treaty between Russia and Japan ending the Russo-Japanese War

When: 1905

Sig: its role in ending the Russo-Japanese War, which established Japan as a dominant world power by securing its influence over Korea and South Manchuria.

Washington Naval Conference

Who: winners of WW1

What: Britain, Japan & US came together in a conference to discuss the size of their Navy.

when: 1921-1922

sig: The Washington Naval Conference was significant for Japan because the Five-Power Naval Limitation Treaty established a 5:5:3 ratio for naval strength, limiting Japan's fleet relative to the United States and Britain. This angered Japan and spread their nationalism. Lead to the London Naval conference.

London Naval Conference

Who: Winners of WW1

What: International Naval Conference held in London to adopt an international code of conduct for naval warfare.

When:1930

Sig:10:10:7 ratio in naval tonnage for the U.S., Britain, and Japan, which Japan accepted in exchange for a promise from the U.S. and Britain not to build up Pacific naval bases against it. However, the treaty was seen as unequal by Japan, fueling nationalist resentment.

Tripartite Intervention

Who: Japan, Russia, Germany, and France

What: Forced Japan to return the Laidong peninsula to China after the first Sino-Japanese war

when: 1895

Sig: It was a humiliating blow to national prestige, revealed the imbalance of power with European "Great Powers," fueled public outrage, and motivated Japan to build its military and industrial strength to avoid future subjugation, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War