5: Outbreak of World War II in the Asia-Pacific

Seventeen question-and-answer flashcards covering Japan’s rise, ultranationalism, economic motives, League weaknesses, Chinese instability, European distraction, and the road to Pearl Harbor.

What was the overall impact of 1930s developments in the Asia-Pacific region on both the region and the League of Nations?

They pushed the region toward World War II, caused widespread devastation (especially in China, Japan and Southeast Asia), and further weakened the League of Nations.

Which Western powers had the largest colonial and economic interests in Asia by the mid-1800s?

Britain, France, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Why did Japan begin to ‘look to the West’ in the late 19th century?

It saw China’s inability to defend itself and wanted to learn from Western powers to strengthen itself.

How did the 1921 Washington Naval Treaty fuel Japanese resentment and ultranationalism?

It forced Japan to reduce its navy more than the U.S. and Britain, which was viewed as unfair and stoked a desire for equality with Western powers.

In Japanese politics, what did ultranationalism promote and reject?

It promoted domination and territorial expansion while rejecting ‘selfish Anglo-American individualism.’

What key natural limitations pushed Japan toward expansion?

Mountainous terrain, scarce farmland, and lack of vital raw materials such as iron ore and coal, forcing reliance on imports.

How did the Great Depression influence Japanese attitudes toward democracy?

Severe unemployment and hardship convinced many ultranationalists that democracy was failing to solve Japan’s problems.

How did U.S. tariffs in the 1930s affect Japan’s economy?

Higher tariffs made Japanese exports (e.g., electric light bulbs) more expensive in the U.S., badly hurting Japan’s export trade.

Why did Japanese leaders view Manchuria as the ‘obvious’ place for expansion?

It offered resources and territory that could protect Japan’s economy and fuel its growing empire.

What did the 1933 Lytton Report conclude, and how did Japan respond?

It said Japan had acted unlawfully in Manchuria and should withdraw; Japan rejected the report and left the League of Nations on 27 March 1933.

Why were League of Nations sanctions ineffective against Japan?

The U.S. (Japan’s main trading partner) was not a League member, Britain feared harming relations, and other powers would not risk military action.

How did China’s internal conflict between the GMD and CCP benefit Japanese ambitions?

Ongoing infighting created instability that Japan exploited to justify intervention and further invasion.

What ‘strategy of provocation’ did Japan use to expand in China before open war?

Japanese-backed warlords stirred up trouble and then invited Japanese troops to ‘restore order,’ paving the way for occupation.

Why did the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939 present a ‘golden opportunity’ for Japan?

Britain, France and the Netherlands were focused on fighting Germany and could not defend their Southeast Asian colonies.

Which Southeast Asian territory had Japan taken control of by 1941?

French Indochina.

Despite early successes, what major concern led Japanese leaders to ‘gamble’ on confrontation?

They feared the growing likelihood of conflict with the United States.

What event on 7 December 1941 signaled Japan’s willingness to confront the United States directly?

The bombing of Pearl Harbor.