1. The Rise of Japan
MBSS/History Mr. Smith

2. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
The Calm before the Storm
Japan’s economic difficulties after WW1 made cooperation with the US wise and active involvement in China unwise.
Japan was a part of the Washington Naval Conference, (naval ratios, a US & UK promise to not build new bases between Hawaii & Singapore)
All signatories agreed to respect China’s integrity, and Japan agreed to withdraw troops from Shandong, maintaining only economic rights.
Japan was a signatory to the 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact, renouncing war as a means to resolve international disputes.

3. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
Rise of the Militarists
Right-wing, xenophobic nationalism existed from first contact with the Western world.
Hirohito became Emperor ( ), prompting some to call for a return to traditional values.
In 1931, conflict in Manchuria provided the excuse to use military force abroad.

4. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
Manchurian Incident
The 1931 Manchurian Incident (Mukden), gave Japan a pretence for military action in Manchuria.
the Japanese increased their control over Manchuria, renaming it Manchukuo, and installing the last Chinese Emperor, Puyi, as a puppet ruler.
The US and the LON condemned Japan, which withdrew from the League.
Japanese society strongly supported the military.

5. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
Moving toward War
, military/right-wing/patriotic pressure comes in the form of assassinations and riots.
Popular support is behind militarists and politicians increase military budgets.
1936: Anti-Comintern Pact signed by Germany & Japan- purpose is to oppose communist activity and share information.

6. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
The Second Sino-Japanese War ( )
1937, July 7: The Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
This was a clash between Japanese and Chinese forces near Beijing that led to full scale war between Japan and China.
By August, the Japanese were attacking Shanghai, and by December they had entered the capital of Nanking.
The Japanese Imperial Army was guilty of many atrocities against the civilian population of China (forced labour, sexual slavery, germ warfare, the Rape of Nanking)

7. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
1938: Japan’s PM called for a
“New Order in Greater East Asia”.
In 1940 the policy was referred to as
“ The Greater East Asia
Co-Prosperity Sphere”
political & economic integration of Asia,
(under Japanese leadership), against
Western domination
“Asia for Asians”
It was a justification for war; a thinly
veiled cover for Japan’s expansive
imperial designs.

8. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
Taking it to the Next Level…
1940, political parties were ordered to dissolve
Sept. 1940: The Tripartite Pact- Japan joined the Axis alliance with Germany and Italy.
The US places an embargo on war supplies to Japan (oil, scrap metal)
Japan signs the Japanese-Soviet Neutrality Pact in April 1941.

9. Japan: Rising Nationalism & Militarism
US became increasingly concerned, and demanded that Japan withdraw from China.
Japan insisted that the US not interfere.
Discussions between the US & Japan became deadlocked.
October The Minister of War, Hideki Tojo, replaces the civilian PM.
December 1, 1941, Japan ratified plans to attack the US at Pearl Harbor.