Chapter 6 History Notes

Chapter 6: Reasons for outbreak of WWII in the Asia- Pacific • Japan • LON Point: Economic Crisis in Japan Example/Elaboration: • The economic crisis was caused by overpopulation and the impact of the Great Depression. • In 30 years, the population of Japan increased to three times as much as its original population. • This decreased land for farming as more housing were built to accommodate the people. This also led to a shortage of food as traditional methods took a very long time for the crops to grow. • This resulted in much discontent in the Japanese people and made them lose faith in the government. • As the population grew bigger, the need for housing, food and goods increased. • Countries like the USA and Britain practiced protectionism to boost their economy. Hence, there were taxation and restriction on Japanese goods. • The demand for goods fell and Japan was importing more than it was exporting. This led to trade imbalance and economic depression in Japan. Explanation: Territorial expansion into other parts of Asia was seen as the solution to trade imbalance and economic depression in Japan. Taking over Manchuria will give Japan control of its rich resources and act as a market to sell Japanese goods. It can also provide living space for the Japanese. This caused Japan to invade other territories, leading to WWII in the Asia-Pacific.

Point: Outbreak of War in Europe encouraged Japan to wage war in Asia Example/Elaboration: • European countries focused on fighting the war in Europe • British and French defences in Asia Pacific was critically weakened and depleted • Southeast Asia was left defenceless • Japan felt encouraged. War in Europe created an opportunity for Japan to take the place of the declining • Western powers in Southeast Asia. French Indochina and British colonies of Malaya and Singapore were seen as easy targets, leading to the invasion of Southeast Asia. Explanation: Given that Southeast Asian colonies were left weakly defended, Japan felt that it was a good time to launch a successful attack on Southeast Asia, leading to the outbreak of War in Asia. Point: Japan’s aggressive foreign policy Example/Elaboration: Changes in Japan’s Political Climate: Growth of Military Influence • Military was attempted to gain more power • Rise of Japanese militarism played a huge role in Japan’s aggressive foreign policy • The emperor granted concessions to the military to prevent further violence. • May 1932: Prime Minister Tsuyoshi Inukai was assassinated. • Martial law was declared -- the military effectively controlled the government. • Expansionism was fueled by the rise of militarism: • Due to Japan’s desire for equality and recognition amongst world powers • With the rise of militarism Japan wanted to take control of territories to solve its economic problems (to support supply of raw materials and resources) • For example, Taiwan had access to important source of sugar. Korea was a source of cotton and wool