Notes on Japanese and European Expansion Prior to World War II

Japanese Expansion

  • Commodore Perry and Trade

    • U.S. Commodore Perry opened Japan to trade in the mid-19th century.

  • China Pre-1930s

    • China experienced a power vacuum post-Qing dynasty, leading to regional warlords rising to power.

    • The National Guomindang (GMD) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) competed for control amidst this instability.

  • Japanese Justification for Imperialism

    • Fragmentation and instability in China were cited as reasons for Japanese intervention, claiming to bring order.

    • The influence of the Japanese military in government grew as militarism rose.

  • Japanese Interests in China

    • Motivated by resources (iron, coal), security from Western influences, and aspirations to be a world power.

    • Confidence from Western imperialism in China, particularly the spheres of influence.

  • Meiji Restoration

    • This revolution instilled national confidence and helped Japan industrialize and modernize.

  • Political Competition in Japan

    • Throughout the 20th century, the military, political parties, and the Emperor all vied for influence.

  • Economic Reliance

    • Japan's economy heavily relied on exports, particularly of manufactured goods.

  • Rise of Militarism in Japan

    • Driven by nationalist sentiment, political assassinations, coups, and an imperialistic mindset.

  • Causes of the Chinese Civil War

    • The rivalry between the CCP and the GMD, alongside increasing destabilization, initiated the Chinese Civil War.

  • Pan-Asianism

    • Ideology aimed at uniting Asia under Japan's leadership, painting them as stabilizers.

  • Mukden Incident

    • A staged railway explosion used by Japan to justify invading China.

  • Manchukuo

    • A puppet state established by Japan in Manchuria, presenting itself as stabilizing while exercising control.

  • League of Nations Response

    • The League sent the Lytton Commission, which condemned Japan and refused to recognize Manchukuo as a legitimate state.

    • Japan withdrew from the League of Nations, marking its growing isolation.

  • Stimson Doctrine

    • The U.S. policy of non-recognition of territorial changes resultant from aggression, largely ineffective.

  • Kwantung Army

    • A Japanese army unit acting independently from the Tokyo government, increasing militaristic tendencies.

  • Marco Polo Incident

    • Initiated the Second Sino-Japanese War through a military clash near Beijing.

  • Rape of Nanjing

    • Atrocities committed by Japanese troops during their capture of the city of Nanjing.

  • Tripartite Pact

    • Aims to consolidate Axis Powers (Japan, Germany, Italy) and assert Japan's dominance in Asia.

  • Impact Leading to WWII

    • Aggressive expansion into Southeast Asia and subsequent oil embargoes led to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, bringing the U.S. into WWII.

German and Italian Expansion

  • Fascism

    • An authoritarian ideology emphasizing nationalism, dictatorship, and suppression of dissent.

  • Nazism

    • Combines fascism with a strong element of racism.

  • Mussolini's Expansionist Ambitions

    • Aiming to recreate the Roman Empire's glory. Focused on agricultural self-sufficiency and resources.

  • Hitler's Goals

    • Sought to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, unite ethnic Germans, and gain living space (Lebensraum).

    • Emphasized autarky due to resource scarcity in Germany.

  • Violation of Versailles Treaty

    • Actions included reintroducing conscription, military expansion, and remilitarizing the Rhineland.

    • Mostly ignored due to international distraction from other crises (like Abyssinia).

  • Four Year Plan

    • Initiated to prepare Germany for war and lessen dependence on imports.

  • Rome-Berlin Axis

    • A formal military alliance between Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany.

  • Italy’s Involvement in War

    • Driven by fear of political marginalization and the desire to partake in a German-dominated Europe.

Cuba's history in the early 20th century was heavily influenced by external powers, particularly the United States. After the Spanish-American War in 1898, Cuba became a U.S. protectorate, leading to significant American political and military intervention in Cuban affairs. The Platt Amendment (1901) allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuba and established a naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Following this period, Cuba saw a series of dictatorships and political instability. The revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959 resulted in the establishment of a socialist state, which sparked tensions with the U.S. and led to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, a pivotal moment during the Cold War that brought the world close to nuclear conflict. Castro's regime also aligned with the Soviet Union, challenging U.S. influence in the region and leading to economic sanctions that have persisted for decades. These events marked a significant period in Cuba's history, affecting its political landscape and international relations.