Case Study 1: Japanese Expansion in East Asia (1931 - 1941)

1. Causes of Expansion

Background

• Japan was largely isolated up until the mid-19th century

• Political power was led by the Emperor but was exerted by the aristocracy of daimyo.

• By 19th century, Japan was not industrialized.

• Meiji Restoration (1868)

  • Power restored to emperor Meiji

  • Reforms in military, education and industry

1.1. The impact of Japanese nationalism and militarism on foreign policy

• Japanese foreign policy

  • Desire for equality with the west.

  • Belief in a destiny as leader of Asia.

  • Popular enthusiasm for militarisation and expansionism

  • Need for raw materials and markets

• Impact of nationalism

  • Meiji Restoration - A period of rapid modernization and transformation in Japan, characterized by

  • The Meiji Constitution 1889 -

• Impact of militarism

• First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) - A significant conflict between China and Japan that marked Japan’s emergence as a major world power.

• The Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902) - A strategic partnership that aimed to counterbalance Russian expansion in East Asia This alliance marked a significant shift in international relations, as it was the first timean Asian power allied with a Western one.