Reasons for Japan’s Aggression and Expansionism

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Japan’s aggressive and expansionist foreign policy leading to the outbreak of WWII in the Asia Pacific.

Japanese militarism

A belief in the importance of a strong military, which gained momentum after victories in the Russo-Japanese War and the First Sino-Japanese War.

The Great Depression

An economic crisis that severely damaged Japan’s economy and increased unemployment, leading to military influence over government.

Ultranationalists

Individuals who strongly support excessive nationalism and advocate for territorial expansion, believing it is Japan's destiny.

Autarky

The desire for self-sufficiency in economic resources, which drove Japan to expand its territories for raw materials.

Washington Naval Treaty

A treaty signed by Japan, Britain, France, and the United States, which aimed to limit naval shipbuilding but unfairly reduced Japan's naval strength more than that of the US and Britain.

Economic sanctions

Restrictions imposed on Japan by the US in response to Japan's invasion of China, resulting in job losses and contributing to Japan's aggressive foreign policy.

Communism

A political ideology viewed as a threat by Japan, particularly due to the presence of the USSR sharing a border with Manchuria, prompting Japan to seek territorial expansion.

Discrimination by Western countries

The perception by Japanese that Western powers, particularly the US and Britain, were treating them unfairly, fostering a desire for Japan to assert its equality with the West.