Japan's International Relations 1920s-1930s

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Questions and Answers

What was Konoe Fumimaro's primary role during his time in office?

Admiral of the Japanese Navy

Prime Minister of Japan (correct)

US Secretary of State

Military strategist

What was Yamamoto's primary objective in attacking Pearl Harbor?

To surprise the US and prevent a military response (correct)

To destroy the US economy completely

To gain control over the Philippines

To establish a peace treaty with the US

Which statement best describes Hiranuma Kiichi's contribution to Japan's wartime policies?

He opposed Japan's alliance with Nazi Germany

He promoted disarmament and peace initiatives

He was responsible for negotiating peace with the US

He was a key figure in advocating military expansion (correct)

What significant action did Cordell Hull take regarding Japan in November 1941?

He issued an ultimatum to Japan Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Inukai Tsuyoshi's tenure as Prime Minister?

He was assassinated during a wave of political violence Signup and view all the answers

What was a requirement of the Nine-Power Treaty regarding Japan's military presence?

Japan had to remove its military from the Shantung Peninsula. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main aim of the London Naval Conference in 1930?

To review earlier naval agreements due to financial stress. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of Japan's withdrawal from Siberia in 1922?

Japan ceased its intervention in the Russian Civil War. Signup and view all the answers

What did the USA's anti-Japanese Immigration Policy of 1924 lead to in Japan?

A rise in anti-foreign sentiments among the Japanese. Signup and view all the answers

What initiated the Showa financial crisis in 1927?

A government attempt to redeem earthquake bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Which event prompted the rise of authoritarianism in Japan during the Great Depression?

The Wall Street Crash and subsequent economic crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the internal conflicts Japan faced after the signing of the Five Power Treaty?

The navy's objection to government policy. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Japan's occupation of Mukden in Manchukuo between 1932 and 1945?

Japan created a puppet state in Manchukuo. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact play during the Second Sino-Japanese War?

It provided China with Soviet aid and support. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of Japan withdrawing from the Washington and London Naval Treaties?

It heightened tensions between Japan and Western powers. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Japan to form the Anti-Comintern Pact with Nazi Germany?

Joint opposition to communism and support for national interests. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the attempted military coup in Japan in February 1936?

It highlighted the growing influence of the military in politics. Signup and view all the answers

What sparked the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937?

The disappearance of a Japanese soldier during a patrol. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary results of the Second Sino-Japanese War?

Diminished Chinese military capabilities and resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes Japan's perception of the Washington and London Naval Treaties?

They were considered discriminatory against Japan's naval ambitions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct influence of the February 26 Incident on Japan's government?

It underscored the military's growing power and influence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary justification for Japan's invasion of Manchuria?

Faking an attack on a railway Signup and view all the answers

What did the Hull Note demand from Japan?

Withdrawal from China and Indochina Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was formed from the merger of the Third Communist International and the KMT?

Chinese Communist Party Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Lytton Commission?

To investigate the Mukden Incident Signup and view all the answers

What cultural principles are encapsulated in the bushido code?

Loyalty, honor, and courage Signup and view all the answers

What ideology did the ‘Asiatic Monroe Doctrine’ support?

Japan's dominance and protection in Asia Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of Japan's expansion into China on China's international standing?

Diminished power within the international community Signup and view all the answers

Which party was established in 1927 promoting democracy and social reform in Japan?

Minseito political party Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant result of the border skirmishes between Japan and the Soviet Union in 1939?

Japan experienced a decisive defeat, impacting its expansionist ambitions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Tripartite Pact signed in September 1940?

To establish the Axis Powers against common enemies. Signup and view all the answers

What key concept did Roosevelt introduce in his 'Quarantine Speech' in October 1937?

The importance of isolating militaristic regimes. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main outcomes of the Nanjing Massacre during 1937-38?

International condemnation of Japanese actions. Signup and view all the answers

What principle was outlined in the 'Main Principles of Fundamental National Policy' announced in 1940?

To justify Japanese wartime expansion in Southeast Asia. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor?

It provoked full-scale U.S. involvement in WWII. Signup and view all the answers

Which event is associated with the international reaction against Japan in the years leading to WWII?

The signing of the Nine-Power Treaty. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939?

It was a turning point that highlighted the capabilities of Soviet forces. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anglo-Japanese Alliance

Ended in 1923.

Nine-Power Treaty

Signed in 1922
Acknowledged China's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Required Japan to remove its military from the Shandong Peninsula.
Intended to prevent further expansion into China following World War I.

London Naval Conference (1930)

Aimed at limiting naval arma ments to prevent another arms race.
Japan was allowed a larger fraction of naval tonnage compared to previous agreements.
Sparked internal conflicts in Japan.

Japanese Withdrawal from Siberia (1922)

70,000 Japanese troops were sent to Siberia during Russian Civil War.
Pressure from the US and UK forced their withdrawal.
Marked a shift in Japan's focus toward Asia.

USA's Anti-Japanese Immigration Policy (1924)

Limited Japanese immigration to the US.
Fuelled anti-foreign sentiment in Japan.

The Showa Financial Crisis (1927)

Triggered by a bank run following the government's attempt to redeem earthquake bonds.
37 banks closed.
Prime Minister Wakatsuki Reijirō resigned and was replaced by General Tanaka Giichi.

The Showa Period (1926-1945)

Period of Japanese militarism, aggression in Asia, and eventual defeat in World War II.

The Great Depression (1929)

Global economic crisis following the Wall Street Crash.
Triggered a rise of authoritarianism in Japan, seeking territorial expansion.

Japan's Occupation of Manchuria (1932-1945)

Established a puppet state, Manchukuo, in Manchuria.
Japan’s actions were condemned by the League of Nations, leading to Japan's withdrawal.

Sino-Japanese War (1894)

Japan defeated China in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895).
Resulted in the annexation of Taiwan and a weakening of Chinese power.

Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945)

Triggered by the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
Japan failed to quickly conquer China, leading to a prolonged war.
The Rape of Nanjing and other atrocities increased international condemnation.

Japan's Withdrawal from Naval Treaties (1936)

Japan perceived the treaties, which restricted naval armament, as discriminatory.
Japan was seeking expansion in Asia and needed a stronger navy.

Anti-Comintern Pact (Germany and Japan, 1936)

Strategic alliance formed by Japan and Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union and Communism.
Laid the foundation for the Axis powers in World War II.

Attempted Military Coup in Japan - February 26 Incident (1936)

Radical nationalist military officers attempted to overthrow Japan's civilian government.
Showcased the growing influence of the military in Japanese politics.

Marco Polo Bridge Incident (1937)

A dispute over a missing Japanese soldier led to a skirmish between Japanese and Chinese forces, escalating into a full-scale war.

“Border War” with the Soviet Union (1939)

Border skirmishes between Japanese and Soviet forces in Manchuria and Mongolia.
A decisive Soviet victory curbed Japanese expansionist ambitions.

“Main Principles of Fundamental National Policy” (1940)

Outlined Japan’s wartime actions, providing justification for expansion in Asia.

Tripartite Pact (September 1940)

Pact signed by Germany, Italy, Japan.
Formalized the Axis powers, escalating global tensions and provoking stronger US opposition.
US imposed sanctions on Japan, eventually leading to the Pearl Harbor attack.

Roosevelt's "Quarantine Speech" (October 1937)

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for international action to contain aggressor states.
Marked a shift away from US neutrality and a greater involvement in international affairs.

The Hull Note (November 26, 1941)

US Secretary of State Cordell Hull demanded Japan withdraw from China and Indochina.
Japan's rejection of the note further escalated tensions.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

Formed in 1923, merging with the KMT to create a liberation front.
Advocated for anti-imperialism and anti-conservatism.
Eventually split from the KMT and under Mao Zedong, defeated the KMT in 1927.

The Mukden Incident (September 18, 1931)

A staged incident, orchestrated by Japanese military personnel, to justify their invasion of Manchuria.

“Asiatic Monroe Doctrine”

Assertion of Japan’s right to dominate Asia.

The Lytton Commission

Investigated the Mukden Incident and concluded that Japan’s actions were unjustified.
Led to Japan’s withdrawal from the League of Nations.

Shintoism

Japan’s indigenous spirituality, influencing nationalism.

Imperialism

A policy of state expansion.

US "Open Door" Policy

Guaranteed equal trade access to China's ports for all nations.
Undermined by Japan’s expansion into China.

Samurai Legacy

Influenced Japanese identity through values like loyalty and honor.

Bushido Code

Ethical guidelines for samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, courage, and discipline.

The Blood Brotherhood League

Promoted militarism and advocated for Japanese leadership against Western imperialism.

Minseito Political Party

Liberal party promoting democracy and social reform.
Aimed at balancing interests of ordinary people and the political elite.

Konoe Fumimaro (Prime Minister, 1937-1941)

Led Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Tried unsuccessfully to avoid war with the US.

Yamamoto (Admiral)

Developed the plan to attack Pearl Harbor.
Aimed to cripple the US Pacific fleet and prevent their intervention.

Cordell Hull (US Secretary of State)

US Secretary of State during the Hull Note.

Hiranuma Kiichi (Prime Minister, 1939)

Supported Japan’s military expansion and alliance with Germany.

Inukai Tsuyoshi (Prime Minister, 1931-1932)

Assasinated during a period of economic problems and political instability.
His death was part of a wave of assassinations of political and business leaders.

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Description

This quiz covers key events in Japan's international relations during the 1920s and 1930s, including treaties, military actions, and immigration policies. Explore the significance of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, the Nine-Power Treaty, and Japan's naval decisions at the London Naval Conference. Test your knowledge on how these events shaped Japan's foreign policy and relations with other nations.