Origins of World War II Militarism & Japan

Reasons for Japanese Expansion Imperialism - Need for raw material for Industry - Lessen reliance on foreign imports such as iron, oil, rubber, & timber -Expansion would give Japan regions w/ these resources

Japanese Nationalism Desire to become a world power Never been defeated by foreign military Emperor – direct descendent of God Economic depression strengthened their beliefs

Militarism Military controlled gov. policy 1931 – military invaded Manchuria without government permission Rape of Nanking – 1937 – large Chinese city – many atrocities – decapitations, rapes, murders, etc. Chinese civilians being buried alive during rape of Nanking, other horrible atrocities that cannot be mentioned- murder of women and children, rape, mutilation

Samurai and Bushido = “way of the Warrior” Extreme Patriotism Traditions expanded to all Japanese, no longer upper classes Belief in Death before Dishonor All are willing to die for the Emperor = will not surrender Seppuku

Japan’s Invasion of China Invaded Manchuria (1931) Attacked Beijing in 1937 Invade Indochina - 1940 Full scale war with China was condemned by the US Militarism would not be stopped Goal – to rule Asia Chinese civilians being b