IB History

Historiography

The study of the methods and principles through which history is written and interpreted.

Operation Barbarossa

The code name for Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.

Hull Note

A diplomatic communication from the U.S. to Japan in 1941 that urged Japan to withdraw from China, viewed by some as a pretext for war.

Fifteen-Year War

A term used by Japanese historians to refer to the series of conflicts from 1930 to 1945, linked to Japanese imperialism.

Greater East Asian War

The name used in Japan during World War II to describe its military actions, replaced by the term 'Pacific War' in post-war discourse.

Mutual misunderstanding

A concept suggested by Andrew Crozier to explain the misperceptions between Japan and the United States leading to war.

Rana Mitter

A British historian who argued that Japan's withdrawal from China was a crucial factor in the outbreak of war.

Tojo Hideki

The Japanese general and prime minister who believed war with the United States was 'inevitable'.

Niall Ferguson

A British historian who suggests Japan opted for immediate war to avoid relative decline under U.S. dominance.

Antony Best

A British historian who emphasizes Britain's responsibility in ignoring Japan's rise as a regional power.

Andrew Crozier

A historian who believes the Pacific War cannot be understood in isolation from the events in Europe.

Dallek's perspective

Robert Dallek argues that Pearl Harbor relieved Roosevelt of the burden of decision-making.