1. JAPAN

2. Consist of four large islands and 1000 smaller islands. Together, the islands of Japan are about the size of California.

3. Japan’s population of over 125 million makes it one of the most crowded countries. (Remember, California has about 30 million people.) – Mountains cover much of Japan so most of its people live along the coast.

4. Because of its location on the “Ring of Fire”, Japan faces a constant threat of Earthquakes. Typhoons, (hurricanes), are also a major concern since most of its cities are on the coast.

5. Mt. Fuji- A dormant volcano in Japan. – It is a symbol of the country.

6. Japan in US History -In 1853 the US Navy steamed into Tokyo Bay and “convinced” Japan to begin trading with the US. -Prior to this, Japan had practiced isolationism, (not having any contact with outsiders.) Their isolationism was done to protect their culture from being destroyed by outside influences.

7. US Navy steamed into Tokyo Bay

8. The Samurai government began a policy of imperialism. – They built Japan into a strong economic and military power.

9. US AND JAPAN RELATIONS On December 7, 1941 the Japanese navy attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

10. They did this for the following reasons. In its quest to become a powerful empire, Japan needed resources that it could not produce within its own borders, (oil, iron ore, food, etc…). – By taking control of other countries and European colonies, they obtained these resources.

12. The Japanese government realized that the US would be the only navy powerful enough to stop their expansion. – In addition, Japan had its “eyes” on the Philippines, which was under US control.

13. It was believed that, by taking out the US Pacific Fleet quickly, Japan would gain a “stronghold” in the region; making them impervious to defeat. (History of US 2 Minutes-10 Minutes)

14. On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima. Another bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki on August 9 th. Japan surrendered on August 15, 1945.

15. Under the terms of surrender, the US took control of Japan and took steps to develop a democratic system with a capitalist economy. The new Japanese constitution outlawed the development of an offensive military. For its part, the US pledged to defend Japan from any aggression. History of US 39 minutes–45 Minutes.

16. Today, Japan has the 3rd largest economy in the world, and is a strong ally of the US in economic and world affairs.