The Japanese Empire

Key Terms/Concepts Nationalism Manchurian Incident Manchukuo – Puppet State Burma Road Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere Economic turmoil => military action

Japanese Nationalism -Like Germany and Italy, Japan became frustrated with international coalitions during the 1920s. -Economic problems—recessions and political factors— caused radical nationalist groups to emerge. -Exploding population and economic difficulty created a need for Japan to expand, as it needed more “living space”.

The Manchurian Incident -Feeling a need for “lebensraum”, a Japanese army unit independently captures Manchuria in The Japanese government DID NOT authorize this action, but could not stop it. -In response, Japan declares Manchuria to be Manchukuo – an “independent” country, run as a puppet state by the Japanese.

Japan Invades China -Building on success of Manchurian conquest, the Japanese army asserts more control of government. -In 1937, Japan uses minor Marco Polo Bridge incident as opportunity to attack China and gain more territory. -U.S. passes Neutrality Acts to remain out of conflict; USSR and Great Britain also stay out of war, but send supplies. -Britain sends supplies via the Burma Road, a highway linking its territory Burma to China.

Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere -War in Europe distracts European leaders from Asian colonies -Japan uses this opportunity to expand, seeking natural resources and land. -Marketing ploy of G.E.A.C.P.S. is to liberate Asia from colonialism; actually, Japan is colonizing Asia for itself. -Japan joins Axis powers in 1940; signs nonaggression pact with Soviet Union in 1941.

Assignment -List similarities between Germany and Japan leading up to World War II -Complete the map skill on page 583, and question 4 on page 584. A short paragraph for each is acceptable, but please explain your reasoning. -Your work will be collected for credit at the end of the hour. -Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the study guide are due for credit on Friday.