P1 - Japanese Expansionism

Axis Powers

Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan

Japan’s Emperor during this period

Showa (Hirohito)

Emperor during the restoration

Meiji

Japanese army in manchuria

Guandong Army

Incident that ‘began’ Japanese expansionism

Manchurian incident/ Mukden incident

18 September 1931

Leader of Mukden Incident

Lieutenant Colonel Ishiwara Kanji

Key thing to remember of the Mukden Incident

It was not authorised by the emperor, Japanese Diet (assembly), or military chiefs in Tokyo.

China’s last Emperor (and emperor of Manchukuo 1934-1945)

Puyi, AKA Kangde

What was the Mukden Incident a prelude for

Japanese invasion of Manchuria

→ Creation of the puppet state Manchukuo led by the (former) Chinese Manchu (Qing) emperor Puyi

Jingoism

Extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

Guomingdang (GMD)

China’s nationalist party that attempted to unite China (which was very fragmented)

Leader of the Guomingdang (GMD)

Jiang Jieshi

Taisho democracy

Period of political and social change in Japan. 1905 to 1932 (final years of Meiji period and through some of Taishō period)

Propaganda used to convince Japanese left-wingers to go to Manchuria

Manchuria was rich in resources inculding coal and iron

It needed good (Japanese) governance to bring stability to the region and ethnic groups.

Why was emigration to Manchuria promoted by the Japanese government

Need for ‘living space’

To consolidate power in the region (Japanese farmers encouraged to live near Soviet and Chinese borders)

Why did Jiang Jieshi not attack the Japanese in Manchuria

GMD army was weak

Sending his best officers would weaken his control over the rest of China

He prioritised defeating the Communists

Lutton Report

Led by Lord Victor Bulwer-Lytton who investigated the Mukden Incident and seizure of Manchuria in 1931–32.

Published October 1932, the report found Japan guilty of aggression but placed some blame on Chinese instability and nationalism.

Condemned the creation of the puppet state of Manchukuo. Japan, rejecting the findings, left the League of Nations. 

The Shanghai Incident

January - 3 March 1932

In response to anti-Japanese riots in Hangkou, Shanghai, Japanese marines bombarded the section.

Second United Front

Alliance between GMD and CCP to resist the Japanese invasion of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War

Suspended the Chinese Civil War from 1937 to 1945

Second Sino-Japanese War

1937-1945

Began: Marco Polo Bridge Incident

End: Japan's surrender and becoming a major part of World War II

Marco Polo Bridge Incident

3-day battle that began on 7 July 1937 in the district of Beijing between the Chinese Army and the Imperial Japanese Army.

February Coup

1936

Military officers attempted a coup of perceived obstacles preventing closer union between the emperor and his people

Aftermath of February Coup

The Control Faction was now fully in control. They increased military spending and signed the Anti-Cominterm Pact

The Control Faction

Faction in Japanese Government. Envisioned a future war against the West. Cooperated with the bureaucracy and capitalists to make Japan a formidable military and naval power

Anti Cominterm Pact

November 1936

Japan, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy

If any nation was attacked by the Soviet Union, other would not aid the SU

Rape of Nanjing

December 1937

After capturing the city of Nanjing Japanese forces brutally killed Chinese men and raped the women.

When did Japan leave the League of Nation

March 27, 1933

Panay Incident

December 1937

Japanese forces bombed American patrol boat USS Panay

Japanese apologised and paid a cash indemnity of $2.2 million USD yet it still worsened tensions between Japan and US

Japan Foreign policy in 1940s

Strengthen ties with Italy and Germany

Create New Order in Asia

Sign non-aggression pact with Soviet Union

Take over British, French and Dutch colonies in East Asia

Reach agreement with Jiang Jieshi and bring China to the New Order

The Tianjin Incident

April 1939

After murder of Japanese bank manager in Tianjin, Japanese forces demand Britain hand over Chinese suspects. After non-compliance Japan enacted a blockade around the British Consession which embarassed Britain

Aftermath of Tianjin Incident

Britain needed support from US to maintain presence in China

US Pres. Roosevelt abrogated the 1911 Am-Jap trade agreement.

Response to Tripartite Pact

US moves fleet to Peal Harbor

US signed lend-lease deal with Britain

US ends sail of aviation fuel and scrap metal to Japan

tripartite Pact

September 1940

Germany and Italy recognise Japanese leadership in Asia and vise versa

All agreed to support eachother (militarily, economically, politically) if attacked by a power outside the European War or Sino-Japanese war

US policy throughout 30s

Isolationism

US embargo on oil

August 1, 1941

Response to Japnese occupation of French Indochina

Hull note

November 1941

Final proposal delivered to Japan by the US before the attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) and the Japanese declaration of war

Demanded Japan withdraw form French Indochina