Move to Global War

Question 1

What was a long-term cause of Japan’s expansion from 1931 to 1941?

Answer 1

Desire for economic self-sufficiency (autarky)

This desire motivated Japan to seek resources and territories to support its economy.

Question 2

What legacy influenced Japan’s military expansion during this period?

Answer 2

Legacy of Meiji Restoration (modern military-industrial power)

The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan into a formidable military power.

Question 3

What belief drove Japan’s ideology in leading Asia?

Answer 3

Belief in racial superiority and right to lead Asia (Pan-Asianism)

This belief justified Japan’s aggressive policies in the region.

Question 4

Which factor indicated the influence of the military in Japanese government?

Answer 4

Military factions dominated politics

The military’s power significantly shaped Japan’s foreign policy.

Question 5

What was a short-term cause of Japan’s expansion related to the economy?

Answer 5

Great Depression (1929): Export economy collapsed, unemployment, poverty

The economic crisis pushed Japan to seek new markets and resources.

Question 6

What was a key event that marked the start of Japan’s invasion of Manchuria?

Answer 6

Mukden Incident (1931): Staged explosion on railway by Japanese troops as pretext to invade Manchuria

This incident served as a justification for military action.

Question 7

What was the outcome of the Lytton Report in 1932 regarding Japan’s actions?

Answer 7

Condemns invasion; Japan withdraws from League of Nations

The report highlighted the League’s inability to enforce its resolutions.

Question 8

What event marked the beginning of full-scale war between Japan and China?

Answer 8

Second Sino-Japanese War (1937)

This war included brutal occupations such as the Rape of Nanking.

Question 9

What alliance was formed by Japan in 1940?

Answer 9

Tripartite Pact (1940): Alliance with Germany and Italy

This pact aimed to counter the influence of the United States and its allies.

Question 10

What was the significance of the US embargoes on Japan in 1940-41?

Answer 10

Oil and steel bans force Japan’s hand

These embargoes significantly impacted Japan’s military operations.

Question 11

What event brought the United States into World War II?

Answer 11

Pearl Harbor in Honolulu (Dec 1941): Surprise attack on US base

This attack marked a turning point in the war, leading to US involvement.

Question 12

How did the League of Nations respond to Japan’s invasion of Manchuria?

Answer 12

Condemned invasion but had no enforcement power

The League’s ineffectiveness highlighted its weaknesses in global governance.

Question 13

What was a key ideological aim of Germany under Hitler?

Answer 13

Undo Treaty of Versailles: Regain lost land, rebuild army

This aim motivated many of Hitler’s aggressive policies.

Question 14

What does Lebensraum refer to in the context of Nazi ideology?

Answer 14

Expand east into USSR

This concept justified territorial expansion at the expense of other nations.

Question 15

What was the significance of the Anschluss in 1938?

Answer 15

Anschluss with Austria (welcomed by Austrians, violated Versailles)

This unification was seen as a major step in Hitler’s expansionist agenda.

Question 16

What was the outcome of the Munich Conference in 1938?

Answer 16

Sudetenland handed over to Germany by Britain/France (appeasement)

This act of appeasement failed to prevent further aggression from Germany.

Question 17

What was a key event that marked the beginning of World War II?

Answer 17

Invasion of Poland (Sept 1939)

This invasion triggered the declaration of war by Britain and France.

Question 18

What was the international response to Italy’s invasion of Abyssinia?

Answer 18

League of Nations imposed sanctions—ineffective

The sanctions failed to stop Italy’s aggressive actions.

Question 19

What was a criticism of the policy of appeasement?

Answer 19

Let dictators grow stronger

Critics argued that appeasement emboldened aggressive nations.

Question 20

What did A.J.P. Taylor argue about Hitler’s actions?

Answer 20

Hitler was an opportunist reacting to events, not planning global war

This revisionist view challenged traditional narratives about Hitler’s intentions.

Question 21

What does the ‘O’ in the OPCVL strategy stand for?

Answer 21

Origin

This aspect examines who created the document and its context.

Question 22

What is a limitation of using a historian’s book as a source?

Answer 22

Not contemporary; interpretation may be debated

Historical analyses can be influenced by the biases of the author.