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Outbreak of WW2 in Asia Pacific, JAPAN'S DEFEAT IN WORLD WAR 2,…

- - - - Solve Economic Problems
        
        1930s: Japan had limited resources and had to depend on other countries to import essential resources such as oil for its industries.
        -> Put Japan at the mercy of other countries' trading practices.
        -> Great Depression made it even more difficult for Japan to obtain raw materials for its economic survival
        ->> Japan was convinced that an expansionist policy was essential to support a secure and steady supply of raw materials and resources
        Example:
        Conquering(PICK ONE)...
        
        Taiwan: Access to sugar
        
        Korea: Provides a steady source of cotton and wool
        
        Manchuria: Provide Minerals and Wheat.
        ->> Relieves Japan's economic problems
        
        The Japanese thus decided to further expand into SEA for resources to wage war in China for their Continued Survival.
        
        The problem was that there were other European Colonists who already set up their empires in SEA and among them, there was the US.
        
        Japan therefore bombed Pearl Harbour as a preemptive strike to prevent US from defending their SEA colony and thus, the US declared war on Japan
    - - Japan's success in its expansionist plans in Taiwan, Korea and Manchuria encouraged plans to establish a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
        
        Meant the establishment of a Japanese empire in the Whole of East Asia.
        
        Japan would replace European colonial powers in Asia and set up satellite states that were loyal to Japan.
        
        Japan would defend their empire with its military and rule these states through local leaders, aided by Japanese advisors.
        Economic Reasons:
        
        Japan was eager to collect rubber and oil from Malaya and Dutch East Indies.
        -> These resources would be crucial for the Japanese military and was lacking in Taiwan, Korea and Manchuria.
        -> 1940: When the USA imposed embargoes on Japan, controlling these territories became even more urgent for Japan's survival
    - - 18 September 1931: A bomb exploded near the Japanese-owned railway near Mukden
        
        The Japanese army launched a full-scale invasion of Manchuria and formed Manchukuo, a puppet state under Japanese military control
        How the other nations responded:
        
        China and the other powers refused to recognize Manchukuo
        
        The LON condemned Japan's aggression and refused to recognize Manchukuo.
        How Japan responded:
        
        However Japan responded by withdrawing from LON
        
        LON was unable to enforce its decision on Japan and Japan's aggression went unchecked
        
        Japan felt bolder and more confident in its expansionist policy.
        
        Saw the LON as weak and unable to stop it.
        
        Since LON was weak and ineffective, they could not stop Japan's aggression and their plans to invade SEA
        
        To weaken the US fleet so that Japan was able to take over SEA successfully, they bombed Pearl Harbour and the US subsequently declared war on Japan
        
        Why Japan invaded Manchuria:
        By 1930s, Manchuria in northeast China was a lifeline to Japan...
        
        Economically: Provided abundant raw materials and a ready market for Japanese products
        
        Strategically: Allowed Japan to defend its interests in Korea and was a good base to further Japan's expansionist plans into China
- - - - Due to the US trade embargo, Japan was in dire need of oil to continue the war in China
        -> Made SEA very attractive because of their oil-rich countries there.
        
        Japan saw the US as the biggest obstacle in their plans to conquer SEA
        -> US was the only colonial power who had the resources and military equipment to put up a fight against Japan.
        
        Japan attacked Pearl Harbour in an attempt to stop the US from defending SEA, thus the US declared war on Japan
  - - - War in Europe took the attention of the Colonial Allied powers
        -> SEA colonies were left undefended and open to attack by the Japanese
        
        The US was the only one who was not involved in the war in Europe
        -> Left them the option to channel all their resources into defending their SEA colony.
        
        In order to prevent the US from defending its colonies, Japan bombed pearl harbour as a preemptive strike to take over SEA successfully. This made USA declare war on Japan
- - - - First Sino-Japanese war:
        
        1894: Japan successfully fought a war against China.
        Treaty of Shimonoseki 1895: China had to give up control of Korea and Taiwan to Japan
        
        1910: Japan controlled both countries directly as a colony. As a colonial power, Japan introduced the construction of railways, schools and infrastructure.
        
        Introduced education in Japanese, forced labour and military service
        
        Japan economically embarked on projects that would benefit Japan (E.g: Sale of raw materials from Japanese colonies to be sold cheaply to Japan)
        
        Reason behind why Korea was only annexed to Japan only at 1910:
        
        After the Sino-Japanese war, the Japanese Government tried to rule indirectly through the Korean Royal Family.
        ( Where the traditional rulers(royal family) gained prestige, stability and protection, but they would lose their control of their external affairs )
        
        The Korean king and queen resisted and the latter was assassinated by Japanese agents
        
        The fall of the Qing Dynasty:
        Early 1800s: Population had doubled since 1700
        --> Not enough farmland or jobs and not enough officials to manage the people
        Opium War (1839-1842) :
        
        Some Europeans sold opium in China in exchange for the tea and silk made in China --> These valued things are sold in Britain for money
        
        The opium-related trading was banned but British Merchants still smuggled it into China to earn lots of money
        The Civil War period (1850-1878):
        
        Major uprisings all across China and millions died
        How Sino-Japanese war changed the attitudes of those in China:
        
        The war demonstrated the failure of the Qing Dynasty's attempts to modernize its military and fend off its threats to its sovereignty
        
        Prestige of the Qing Dynasty suffered a major blow and sparked an public outcry
        1911: Xinhai Revolution: Soldiers revolted and other cities quickly rejoined them
        
        Why Japan fought for Korea against China:
        
        Korea was strategically positioned opposite the Japanese islands
        
        Had natural resources of coal and Iron
      - Twenty-One Demands
        
        1914: Japan also entered WWII with the aim of occupying German-controlled Qingdao and chance to advanced into mainland China
        
        1915: Japan's growing aggression was confirmed in its Twenty-One Demands to China
        -> Would have effectively made China a colony of Japan if accepted
        Impact
        
        This was significant as by now Japan had made it clear that it had no intention of sharing a 'common interest' over China with Britain in 1905
        
        Its determination to assert total control over China created tensions between Japan and other European powers in the Region
        
        As with most foreign policies in Meiji Restoration, the goal of the demands was:
        
        Insulate Japan against European Imperialism
        
        Create a forward base for further action against Russia
    - - American racism against Japanese:
        1882: America introduced the Chinese Exclusion Act
        
        Chinese immigrants were not allowed into America to prevent economic competition.
        
        1905: Further applied towards the Japanese and Koreans (Due to US Citizens' fear that their jobs would be taken away by Japanese immigrants)
        OUTCOME:
        
        The Japanese were angered by the racial policies.
        --> Felt that the Americans had viewed them as inferior
        --> Contributed to tense relations between USA and Japan
        
        Possible Reason
        
        The USA was a rising power in the Asia Pacific region and did not consider Japan to be its equal amongst the Western Powers
      - Paris Peace Conference 1919
        
        Japan called for the racial equality proposal to be included in the covenant of the LON.
        -> It called for equality of nations and equal treatment of foreign immigrants in the LON
        OUTCOME:
        
        The proposal was rejected
        
        Fuelled the unhappiness of the Japanese
      - Washington Navel Conference 1921-1922
        
        The ratio of naval strength between the powers was decided as 5:5:3 between USA, Britain and Japan.
        -> Japan had to reduce their naval strength more than USA and Britain
        
        Japanese perceived this as discriminatory against them
        -> Adding to the tension between Japan and the West
      - Clash of strategic interests
        
        1919: Japan objected to the ToV, arguing that it was a treaty aimed at preserving the powers of the victorious Allies
        -> Left no room for expansionist ambitions of other powers like Japan
        ->> Japan's strategic interests and its ambition to expand in the Asia Pacific would inevitably bring them into conflict with other Major powers like USA
    - - The rise of Japan posed a threat to Russian Interests in the 'Far East'.
        
        Japan saw Russia's attempt to establish a permanent military and naval base in Manchuria as a threat to its interests and influence in Korea
        Resolving the conflict: (May be excluded)
        
        Japan offered to recognize Japan's influence in Korea
        
        Russia rejected as it had plans to expand further
        --> Did not see the need to negotiate with Japan as an equal power
        Outcome:
        Japan declared war on Russia in 1905
        
        Japanese military defeated the RUssians.
        
        Northeast China's massive economic potential was enough to attract the interest of expansionists in both Russia and Japan
        
        1897: The Russians got there first and pressured Qing Dynasty officials into agreeing to the construction of a Russian-dominated railway across the north.
        
        The south Manchurian Railway, built around the same timing as the north, were contested by China, Russia and Japan for control over this key economic corridor and the rest of North-East Asia
        ( Japan gained control of Liaodong Penisula and South Manchurian Railway after the winning the war against Russia )
        
        Japan's desire to be on par with other western powers led Japan to be expansionistic and look into conquering other territories.
        
        As Southeast Asia was rich in resources, Japan wanted to carve an Empire there
        
        Because USA was a big threat to their plans, Japan attacked Pearl Harbour and US shortly after declared war on Japan
    - - 1902: Britain Signed a treaty of Mutual Recognition with Japan and their special Interests in Asia. (Renewed in 1905)
        
        Britain recognized Japan's rights over Korea, while Japan recognized Britain's right to defend India. At the same time, both countries agreed that China was a place of 'Common Interest'
        Significance of Alliance
        
        This treaty was significant as it confirmed Japan's status as an imperial power over Korea with interests over China.
        
        Japan was accorded equal status as Britain in signing the treaty of mutual recognition
  - - - (PICK EITHER ONE)
        
        Land Shortage
        
        Internally, Japan faced economic problems. -> There was insufficient arable land for farmers to grow their crops and earn a profit
        -> The workers suffered from poor living and working conditions
        -> The inability of the government to address these problems undermined its authority
        Great Depression
        
        1929: The Great Depression which started in the USA also affected Japan badly.
        -> The USA and Britain imposed protectionist policies to protect their own economies.
        ->> Japanese goods were subjected to high taxes and trade restrictions
        ->>> Demand for Japanese exports fell and worsened Japanese economic problems
        Overpopulation
        
        Increase in population meant increased demand for housing for housing, goods and products
        -> Many Japanese were settled in Manchuria in an attempt to resolve overpopulation
        ->> The need to solve this problems for economic survival made expansionistic policies popular
        ->> Many citizens were convinced that occupation of territories would provide Japan with resources and more land
        
        Why Japanese goods were taxed in high amounts?
        
        Makes it less affordable for Americans and the British people
        -> They are less likely to buy goods made by Japanese companies
        -> Instead, they will buy goods manufactured by local companies
        ->> Allowing local companies to thrive amid this economic crisis
        
        Desperation
        
        As a result of the insufficient food supply in Japan, they had no choice but to go to war to get resources from South East Asia
        
        Japan needed to obtain resources to wage war on China for their continued survival
        
        To prevent the USA from defending their SEA colony, Japan bombed Pearl Harbour and subsequently, US declared war on Japan
    - - The political climate in Japan:
        
        The political climate in Japan was unstable as the Military increasingly asserted itself more aggressively in Japanese politics
        
        Japan had a tradition of respect for the military and a long history of military rule, the Japanese military and nationalists tried to gain control of the state through assassinations and coups
        - Example: May 1922: Prime Minister Inukai was assassinated.
        
        Martial Law was declared
        
        Subsequent prime ministers were pressured to bow to the authority of the military for fear of further assassinations and political violence
        
        How the Government was created:
        Meiji Restoration: Two powerful anti-Tokugawa clans combined forces to topple the shogunate, supervised by Emperor Meiji
        
        Created a parliament with a lower house elected by the people and a prime minister and cabinet appointed by the emperor.
        Goal: In the hopes of uniting the country under a new, centralized government to strengthen their army to defend against foreign influence
        
        Rise of Militarism:
        Democratic Movements and political parties arose due to the poor health of the Emperor Taisho
        
        Government ministers were often corrupted for their own economic gains.
        
        Japanese soldiers rebelled and tried overthrowing the government and assassinated the finance minister in the hopes of restoring power to the emperor
        
        Taking matters into their own hands
        
        With the rise in militarism, Japan becomes increasingly aggressive and looked towards other nations for resources.
        
        With the Military in control of the government, it allowed them to invade southeast Asia countries to obtain resources for their survival.
        
        To prevent the US from interfering with
        Japan's plans, Japan attacked Pearl Harbour and US declared war on Japan
- - - - The USA was able to switch its industries over to military production for the war effort
        
        The USA had millions of willing workers which proved to be more productive than forced labour in Japan
        
        USA was able to overtake Japan in the manufacture of essential military armaments to fight the war
    - - Japan was unable to protect its merchant fleet from attacks by the US submarines.
        -> The attacks cut off Japanese food supply and crucial resources for manufacturing weapons
        
        In contrast, the US factories were out of range of Japanese's bombing and their merchant ships were well-protected by military convoys
    - - USA encouraged women through Propaganda campaigns to participate in the war effort.
        
        Women Ordinance Workers (WOW) worked in factories to produce weapons, vehicles and military supplies necessary for war effort.
        
        In contrast, Japan emphasised the domestic role of women instead of being part of the workforce
  - - - Despite the Pearl Harbour attack, USA was still able to use 3 aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet.
        
        The Americans landed the bombers in China and use it as a base to attack Japan
        
        18 April 1942: The Doolittle Raid struck Tokyo, Nagoya and Kobe.
        
        The air raids were a successful retaliation against the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour
    - - Japan initially had planned to land troops at Port Moresby and take control of New Guinea and thereafter launch their attack on Australia
        
        However, the Americans intercepted their plans and were prepared for the attack.
        
        3-7 May 1942: 2 American aircraft carriers were deployed against the Japanese carriers.
        
        The attack was hailed as a victory to the Allies as Japan withdrew its planned attack on Port Moresby and stop its southward advance to Australia.
    - - The Japanese planned to bomb the Hawaii's islands and turn them into a naval base for Japanese naval and air forces
        
        The Americans had anticipated the Japanese attack from deciphering Japanese coded messages.
        
        They hid their carriers in the open sea, out of the sight of Japanese bombers.
        -> Had the element of surprise when they attacked the Japanese fleet
        
        Japan lost control over the air in the Asia Pacific Region
    - - (Through an island-hopping strategy, the Americans attacked strategic islands by one by one, establishing a strong base on one island, before moving on to the next island.)
        
        Nov 1944: The Allies bombed an aircraft factory in Tokyo.
        
        Mar 1945: The aerial bombing campaign was intensified, where a quarter of Tokyo was destroyed.
        
        There was widespread destruction of the buildings and heavy casualties,
- - - - The Atrocities committed by the Japanese towards the prisoners were highlighted in Allied propaganda
        -> Strengthened the resolve of the Allies to win the war
  - - - The heavy casualties motivated the Allies to seek a quick resolution to the war and defeat the Japanese