1. CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC
THE WORLD
IN CRISIS

2. Pearl Harbor Attack (
Play this video clip and ask your students these questions:
Do you think Japan had been forced to wage World War II?
What pushed the USA to declare war on Japan?
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

3. To what extent was Japan forced to wage World War II in the Asia Pacific?
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

4. In a Nutshell
During 1930s, Japan pursued an expansionist foreign policy.
In 1931, Japanese army invaded Manchuria.
In 1937, Japan began full-scale war with China
To finance its war efforts in China, Japan turned to Southeast Asia (SEA) for resources.
That however brought Japan into conflict with the USA. The US Pacific fleet was stationed at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.
To prevent the USA from hindering Japan’s campaign in SEA, Japan bombed Pearl Harbour on 2 Dec This sparked off the war in Asia-Pacific.

5. Timeline of Japanese aggression in Asia-Pacific
1931: Japan invaded Manchuria after Mukden Incident
1933: Japan withdrew from League of Nations
1937: Japan invaded rest of China following Marco Polo Bridge Incident (2nd Sino-Japanese War)
Jul 1941: USA imposed oil embargo against Japan
Dec 1941: Japan attacked Pearl Harbour and Southeast Asia; WW2 began in Asia Pacific

6. Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006
Rape of Nanking
Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006

7. Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006
Hideki Tōjō: General of Imperial Japanese Army and Prime Minister of Japan during WW2
Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006

8. Attack on Pearl Harbour
Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006

9. Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006
Yasukuni Shrine is dedicated to the soldiers who died fighting on behalf of the Japanese Emperor.
Crisis and Conflict: Fascist Japan Copyright 2006

10. Background to Japan’s rise to power
Historical and cultural legacies that influenced Japan’s rise as military power
Cult of emperor:
Semi-divine status
Made Japs. feel superior
Samurai tradition
Death before surrender
Japanese Samurai warriors practising their fighting skills.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

11. Background to Japan’s rise to power
Meiji Restoration 1868:
Modernization and industrialization of Japan
Closed gap with Western powers economically and militarily
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

12. Japan’s ambition to establish itself in Asia and Europe
As a rising power, Japan wanted to gain equal standing with Western powers
E.g. Defeated China in First Sino-Japanese War (1894)
E.g. Defeated Russians in the Russo-Japanese War (1905)
A scene from the Russo-Japanese war, 1905.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

13. Crises in Japan in 1930s Economic crisis
Population pressure: Japan had limited resources to support its growing population
Great Depression – Japan was robbed of overseas markets; could no longer sell goods abroad or afford to import raw materials and food
Political crisis
Rise of militarism: Japan’s govt. was taken over by militarists who supported overseas expansion as the answer to Japanese problems; any politician who tried to stand up to them risked being assassinated

14. Reasons for outbreak of war in Asia-Pacific
Long term:
Worsening ties with West
Rise of militarism
Japan’s expansionist foreign policy
Weakness of the League of Nations
Short term:
War in Europe
US trade embargo
Appointment of Tojo
Attack on Pearl Harbour

15. Worsening relations with the West in the 1920s
Many Japanese felt that the Western powers, especially USA, were biased against Japan.
Paris Peace Conference, 1919
Washington Naval Conference, 1921
US immigration laws, 1924
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

16. Paris Peace Conference, 1919
Japan proposed a racial equality clause to be included in the covenant of the League of Nations
The Japanese wished to be treated equally as a nation and be considered a great power.
Rejected by Western powers as this would undermine their colonial interests; Japan felt discriminated
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

17. Washington Naval Conference, 1921
Organized by USA
Aimed to reduce naval forces of major powers.
Ratio of warships that was allowed for Japan was lower than that of the USA and Britain.
Japan felt this was an unfair treaty aiming at restricting their power.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

19. Racist US immigration laws
In 1924, US govt. passed laws to prohibit the immigration of all Asians, including Chinese, Koreans and Japanese.
Aim was to prevent immigrants from competing for jobs with American citizens
Japanese were greatly offended by this racial discrimination.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

20. Link to war?
Therefore, discrimination by the West created longstanding tension and hatred between Japan and the Western powers.
This made Japan eager to take revenge and attack colonial powers in Asia Pacific, leading eventually to the outbreak of war.

21. Rise of militarism
The rise of Japanese militarism played a large role in Japan’s expansionist ambitions.
In the 1920s and 30s, many Japanese began to lose faith in democracy and support the military instead.
The was because Japan’s democratic leaders were seen as weak and corrupt, and they failed to solve Japan’s economic problems, especially the Great Depression.

22. Rise of militarism
The Japanese military tried to seize power from the democratic leaders through assassinations and coups.
In May 1932, Prime Minister Inukai was assassinated. Martial law was declared and the new cabinet was composed mostly of military figures.
The militaristic government was nationalist in nature and wanted to expand Japan for pride and resources.
It took a militaristic approach to all problems instead of trying to settle problems through diplomacy

23. Link to war
Therefore, the rise of militarism influenced Japan to take aggressive actions to achieve its expansionist ambitions.
This set Japan on a collision course with the western colonial powers and led to outbreak of war in Asia Pacific.

24. Japanese expansionist foreign policy
During the 1930s, Japan pursued an expansionist foreign policy through territorial acquisitions in the Asia Pacific.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

25. Japan’s Foreign Policy Aims
To build an empire in the Asia – Pacific
To free Asians from western control
To find room for Jp’s growing population
To control resources & raw materials
By the 1930s, the Japanese military was one of the most advanced in the world & was ready for action

26. Building an empire in the Pacific
Japan wanted to build an empire that matched its status as the leading power in Asia.
Japanese leaders believed that having an empire would give them the respect of the Western powers
E.g. Japanese military called for expansion into Russia, China, British Malaya, French Indo-China and the Dutch East Indies.
By the 1930s, the Japanese empire had expanded to include Formosa, Korea, Manchuria and the Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Islands in the Pacific

27. Link to war?
Therefore, peace was threatened because when the Japanese wanted to expand their empire, they risk getting into conflicts or wars with the other colonial powers.
This increased tension and hostility which led to outbreak of war.

28. To free Asians from Western control
Most of Southeast Asia under western colonial control
As the strongest power in Asia, the Japanese felt they should lead the fight against western colonial powers
Japan initiated propaganda to “liberate” Asian countries
“Asia for Asians” – Asians should stand up against western imperialism
“Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” – provide mutual aid and cooperation for the benefit of all member countries

29. Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
Included Australia, New Zealand, Malaya, Burma, Thailand, French Indochina, the Dutch East Indies, China and India.
These countries had oil, tin and rubber which were important resources for Japan to be self-sufficient.
They would also serve as markets for Japanese goods.
Japan used the term ‘Co-Prosperity’, to get Asians to believe that all the countries in the sphere would benefit economically through this arrangement.

30. Link to war
Thus, peace was threatened as the Japanese would have to confront and challenge the Western colonial powers to free Asians from their control.
This would heighten tension and lead to outbreak of war eventually in Asia-Pacific.

31. To find room for growing population
Jp needed to find more room for its exploding population as it is a mountainous country that lacked living space.
From 30 million in 1870 to 70 million by 1937.
As the population grew, the demand for housing and food also increased; need to resettle the people elsewhere
The military proposed overseas expansion promising that it will provide more land for housing and to grow crops.
E.g. Manchuria was occupied in 1931 to provide Japan with land for growing population.

32. Link to war?
Thus, peace was threatened in Asia pacific as Japan would need to go to war, and invade other countries to get their land.
This intensified tension and hostility between Japan and other nations, making the outbreak of general war more likely.

33. To control resources
The Great Depression in 1929 made it hard for Japan to import resources & exports its goods
Its industries needed cheap supplies of natural resources and markets to sell their produced goods.
But USA and western countries resorted to protectionism and imposed high taxes on foreign goods
This led to drastic fall in demand for Japanese exports, especially silk. Factories went bankrupt and many became unemployed.

34. To control resources
To solve their economic problems, the Japanese occupied Manchuria in 1931 – offered cheap manpower, an overseas market for Japan’s goods, and raw materials like coal, timber, iron, wheat and gold.
They also sought to expand into Southeast Asia due to availability of rich resources such as rubber and oil from Malaya and Indonesia.

35. Link to war?
Thus, peace was threatened as Japan would have to invade other countries in Asia-Pacific in order to control their resources.
This would set Japan on a collision course with colonial powers and make outbreak of war inevitable.

36. Weakness of the League of Nations
The League of Nations proved ineffective in preventing Japan’s aggression.
This can be seen in the Mukden incident and invasion of Manchuria as well as the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Japanese soldiers entering Manchuria, 1931.
CHAPTER 6: OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR II IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

37. Jp’s Desire to Conquer China
Historically, Japan had always been China’s tributary.
Wanted to assert its dominance over China once & for all.
Wanted access to China’s rich port cities & resources
China was also weak, having civil war between the Nationalists and Communists.

38. Where is Manchuria?
Manchuria – important to Japan economically and strategically
Provided abundant raw materials and a ready market for Jap. Goods
Served as a good base to future expansion into China

39. Mukden incident and invasion of Manchuria (1931)
18 Sep 1931, a bomb exploded near the Japanese-owned railway near Mukden
The Japanese army accused the Chinese govt. of sabotage.
In retaliation, they invaded and conquered Manchuria.
They established the state of Manchukuo with the last Qing emperor, Pu Yi, installed as its puppet ruler
Pu Yi, The last Emperor of China

40. League’s response
The League convened the Lytton commission to investigate the matter. After one year, the Commission reported that the Japanese invasion was illegal and that Japan should withdraw immediately from Manchuria.
In response to the League’s condemnation, Japan quit the League. The League was unable to enforce its decision on Japan.

41. Second Sino-Japanese War (1937)
In July 1937, a misunderstanding led to exchange of fire between Japanese and Chinese troops at Marco Polo Bridge.
After incident, Japan authorized full-scale invasion of China.
Although China appealed to the League to intervene, the Western power were not willing to get involved.

42. Link to war
Therefore, the failure of the League in stopping Japanese aggression in Manchuria and invasion of China during the 1930s convinced Japanese military leaders that the Western powers were too weak to prevent their expansion.
This made Japan bolder in attacking other countries which eventually led to outbreak of war in Asia-Pacific

43. Changes in American foreign policy
USA initially adopted an isolationist policy in 1930s
However, American public opinion turned against the Japanese after their invasion of China in 1937.
USA condemned Japanese aggression and provided military aid to China’s Nationalist government.
In 1940, USA imposed a trade embargo on Japan which banned the export of steel, scrap iron and fuel to Japan. These resources were essential to support Japan’s war effort in China.

44. Changes in American foreign policy
As a result of the oil embargo, Japan was left with only two years’ supply of oil.
Since no other country would sell oil to Japan, it had two choices — give in to US demands and remove Japanese forces from China in exchange for lifting the oil embargo; or take oil by invading the Dutch East Indies.

45. Link to war
As a result of the US oil embargo, Japan had to urgently look for alternative sources of oil to support its military campaign in China.
This forced Japan to attack oil-rich countries in Southeast Asia which led to outbreak of war in Asia-Pacific.

46. War in Europe
When war in Europe broke out in 1939, the Western powers had to fight for survival against Germany, and could spare little resources to defend their colonies elsewhere.
With the Western powers preoccupied by war in Europe, Southeast Asia was left defenseless and vulnerable.
French Indochina, British Malaya and the Dutch East Indies became easy targets for Japanese invasion.

47. Link to war
Therefore, the outbreak of war in Europe depleted and weakened the defenses of the colonies of Western powers in Asia Pacific.
This made Japan bolder to attack the resource-rich colonies in Southeast Asia as they were confident of winning the war.

48. Hideki Tojo became Prime Minister
In 1941, General Hideki Tojo, who believed in the power of the military and in an aggressive foreign policy, became the Prime Minister of Japan.
Tojo felt that war with the USA could not be avoided.
Opponents who supported negotiation with the USA were removed from the government

49. Link to war
As a result, the appointment of Tojo made Japan pursue a more aggressive and hostile foreign policy to achieve its expansionist ambitions.
This set Japan on a collision course with the western colonial powers and led to outbreak of war in Asia Pacific

50. Attack on Pearl Harbour
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour was a ‘trigger factor’ in the Japanese decision to wage war in Asia Pacific.
The USA had a large Pacific fleet based in Pearl Harbour that could stop Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia.

51. Attack on Pearl Harbour
Destroying US Pacific Fleet would cripple the USA’s ability to fight a war in the Pacific. This will enable Japan to invade Southeast Asia successfully and gain time to protect the positions it had conquered in Southeast Asia.
On Sunday 7 December 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour. Five of the eight battleships at anchor were sunk; about 200 aircraft were destroyed. Over 2400 Americans were killed.

52. “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”
Mitsubishi Zero Fighters, preparing to launch from their aircraft carrier.
Sinking of the USS Arizona
USS Arizona Memorial today

53. American Response 1st ever attack on America
America declare war on the Axis
Hitler & Mussolini declare war on America.
U.S. enters WW II on the side of the Allies
Formally ends American policy of isolationism
Allies against the Axis: From left, Winston Churchill (PM of Britain), Franklin Roosevelt (American President), Joseph Stalin (Soviet Leader)

54. Link to war
Thus, attack on Pearl Harbour angered USA and provoked the Americans to retaliate and take military action against the Japanese, triggering the outbreak of war in Asia-Pacific.

55. Was Japan ‘forced’ to wage war?
Yes:
American oil embargo threatened Japan’s economic survival and their plans for expansion – without oil, Japan’s industries and military campaigns would come to standstill  provoked Japan to take aggressive actions to protect their interests

56. Was Japan ‘forced’ to wage war?
No:
Japan’s expansionist ambitions – Japan wanted to build an empire that matched its status as the leading power in Asia  led Japan to invade colonial powers to assert its power and prestige
Japan’s quest for resources and raw materials – Japan wanted more resources to support its growing population and industries  led Japan to follow an expansionist policy to solve its economic problems

57. Was the attack on Pearl Harbor a success?

58. Success 1
Attack on Pearl Harbour was a success as it inflicted massive damage to American Pacific Fleet.
The attack caught Americans by surprise and very little opposition was met.
For instance, 5 battleships were sunk and about 200 aircraft were destroyed in the surprise attack. Over 2400 Americans were killed.
As a result of this attack, the Japanese were able to gain complete control of the Pacific, which allowed them to carry out its invasion of Southeast Asia without hindrance.

59. Success 2
Attack on Pearl Harbour was also a success as it boosted the pride and morale of the Japanese.
For many years the Western powers had treated Japan unfairly.
E.g. Paris Peace Conference. Washington Naval Conference (refer to notes for details)
Link: Thus, the devastating attack on Pearl Harbour allowed the Japanese to exact revenge for past humiliations and prove their superiority against the Western powers.

60. Failure 1 Pearl Harbor attack failed to cripple US Pacific Fleet
While the attack was devastating, the bombing did not cause enough damage to totally destroy the American Fleet.
For instance, the aircraft carriers and some battleships were not at the harbor when the attack took place. The Japanese also failed to destroy the repair facilities and refueling stations, which allowed the Americans to repair their damaged ships and make them operational again.
Thus, failure to crush the US Pacific Fleet allowed the Americans to rebuild and retaliate against the Japanese with greater force later.

61. Failure 2 Pearl Harbour attack brought USA into war
The attack on Pearl Harbor caused USA to declare war, and this meant that the Japanese now had to fight the richest and most powerful country in the world
For instance, the USA was the world’s largest industrial producer and could produce far more military equipment than Japan. USA also had the advanced technology to produce the atomic bomb.
Thus, by bringing USA into the war, Japan ensured that her armed forces in Asia-Pacific would ultimately be challenged and defeated by the superior American forces.