Japanese Aggression and Expansion

Militarism

The belief that a strong military is necessary for a government to defend its interests.

Japanese Nationalism

The movement that sought to turn Japan into a Western-style power, influenced by strategic security and raw material needs.

Russo-Japanese War Effects

Effects included sending over 1 million men to the front, sustaining over 100,000 casualties, and facing immense financial costs.

Washington Treaty System Parts

The system included treaties like the Four-Power Treaty, Five-Power Naval Treaty, and Nine-Power Treaty but not the Two-Power Treaty.

Chinese Instability Basis 1920s

The period was characterized by a civil war between the Communist and Nationalist parties.

Kwantung Army

A radical, imperial Japanese army that highly valued militarism.

Manchuria's Importance

Manchuria was considered Japan's 'lifeline' for raw materials, new markets, and space for a growing population.

Mukden Incident

An explosion on a Japanese railway blamed on China that was used as a pretext for military actions in Northern China.

Significance of Mukden Incident

It served as an excuse for Japan to push into Northern China.

Manchuria Crisis Turning Point

It demonstrated Japan's abandonment of international cooperation.

Manchukuo

The independent government established by Japan in Manchuria under a puppet leader.

Nanjing Massacre

An event where Japanese forces committed widespread atrocities, including killing, burning, and looting.

Second Sino-Japanese War Spark

Fighting erupted between Chinese and Japanese forces at the Marco Polo Bridge.

China's Victory in Sino-Japanese War

China's success was due to guerrilla warfare tactics and assistance from the Allies.

Tripartite Pact Participants

The pact was between Japan, Italy, and Germany, but not with the USSR.

US Demands to Japan 1941

The US demanded respect for neighbors' territorial integrity and peaceful policies but not to leave the Washington Treaty System.

Pearl Harbor Goals

Japan aimed to incapacitate the US temporarily to continue its expansion but did not plan for the US to join the war to defeat the Axis Powers.

Collective Security

The cooperation of several countries to strengthen each other's security.

League of Nations Goal

To facilitate peaceful international cooperation among nations.

Article 10 of League of Nations Covenant

States that members will protect the territorial integrity of all members.

Article 11 of League of Nations Covenant

Expresses that matters concerning war are of concern to the entire league.

Article 16 of League of Nations Covenant

If a member resorts to war, they would be cut off from trade.

Washington Conference Benefit for China

Affirmed China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

An agreement among states promising not to resort to war to resolve disputes.

Chinese Non-Resistance to Japan

China's non-resistance was influenced by its membership in the League of Nations and ongoing civil war.

China's Response to Japan's Invasion of Manchuria

Practiced non-resistance and appealed to the League of Nations for assistance.

League of Nations Response to Manchuria

Investigated China's claims by sending the Lytton Commission.

Lytton Commission Purpose

An investigation team assigned by the League of Nations to look into Japan's actions.

Reasons for League of Nations Inaction on Japan

Factors included British and French interests and fears of communism, but not the US lacking a credible navy.

Impact of League's Inaction on Manchuria

Facilitated Japan's continued expansion and weakened the League of Nations' reputation.

Japan's Defiance of International Cooperation

Japan broke treaties like the Washington Conference System and Kellogg-Briand Pact but not the Tripartite Pact.

China's Actions after League Failure

China formed the United Front and decided to suspend its civil war.

Isolationism Definition

The policy of remaining out of the political affairs of other countries.

US Isolationism Reasons

Reasons included trade ties with Japan and the impacts of WWI, but not threats to interests and security.

US and Japan Relations 1939

Significant change occurred when a moral embargo on planes and aviation parts was placed on Japan.

US Reaction to Pearl Harbor Attack

The attack united public opinion in favor of war against Japan.