1.1 Japanese Expansion in East Asia: Causes of Expansion

Question 1

Militarism

Answer 1

The influence of the military on Japanese government and expansion policies

Question 2

Nationalism

Answer 2

The belief in Japan’s destiny to lead Asia

Question 3

Shinto

Answer 3

Traditional religious beliefs reinforcing Japanese nationalism

Question 4

First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95)

Answer 4

Conflict with China over Korea, leading to territorial gains for Japan

Question 5

Manchuria

Answer 5

Key region that Japan sought to control for resources and strategic positioning

Question 6

Russo-Japanese War (1904-05)

Answer 6

War against Russia over Manchuria and Korea, resulting in Japan’s increased status

Question 7

Revanchism

Answer 7

Desire for revenge and reclaiming lost territories

Question 8

Treaty of Portsmouth (1905)

Answer 8

Ended Russo-Japanese War, granting Japan control over Korea and parts of Manchuria

Question 9

21 Demands (1915)

Answer 9

Japanese demands for China for economic and political dominance

Question 10

Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Answer 10

Recognized Japan’s new territorial acquisitions but lead to resentment over Western rejection of Japan’s racial equality

Question 11

Four-Power Treaty (1921)

Answer 11

Agreement between Japan, the US, Britain, and France to consult on territorial issues

Question 12

Nine-Power Treaty (1922)

Answer 12

Japan agreed to respect Chinese independence

Question 13

Five-Power Naval Limitation Treaty (1922)

Answer 13

Restricted Japan’s naval expansion

Question 14

Taisho Democracy (1912-1926)

Answer 14

Period of political liberalization in Japan

Question 15

Public Security Preservation Law (1925)

Answer 15

Censorship law targeting communists and government critics

Question 16

Zaibatsu

Answer 16

Large industrial and financial corporations influencing Japanese politics and military expansion

Question 17

Showa Fascism

Answer 17

Shift from democracy to military authoritarianism under Emperor Hirohito

Question 18

Great Depression (1929-1931)

Answer 18

Economic crisis leading Japan toward aggressive expansionist policies

Question 19

Mukden Incident (1931)

Answer 19

Japan’s staged event used as pretense to invade Manchuria

Question 20

Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45)

Answer 20

Full-scale war between Japan and China

Question 21

Chinese Civil War (1927-37)

Answer 21

Conflict between Guomindang (GMD) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP), weakening China against Japan

Question 22

Long March (1934-35)

Answer 22

CCPs retreat, contributed to instability exploited by Japan

Question 23

League of Nations

Answer 23

International body Japan left after criticism over its invasion of Manchuria

Question 24

Emperor Hirohito

Answer 24

Japan’s ruler during expansionist period

Question 25

Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902-1921)

Answer 25

Early military alliance with Britain that ended in 1921