Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Theses and Dissertations 2004-12-02 Sowing The Seeds of War: The New York Times' Coverage of Japanese-American Tensions, A Prelude to Conflict in the acific,P 1920-1941 David Robrt Schreindl Brigham Young University - Provo Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Communication Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Schreindl, David Robrt, "Sowing The Seeds of War: The New York Times' Coverage of Japanese-American Tensions, A Prelude to Conflict in the acific,P 1920-1941" (2004). Theses and Dissertations. 222. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/222 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. SOWING THE SEEDS OF WAR: THE NEW YORK TIMES’ COVERAGE OF JAPANESE-AMERICAN TENSIONS, A PRELUDE TO CONFLICT IN THE PACIFIC, 1920-1941 by David Robert Schreindl A thesis submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Communications Brigham Young University December 2004 Copyright © 2004 David Schreindl All Rights Reserved BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COMMITTEE APPROVAL Of a thesis submitted by David Robert Schreindl This thesis has been read by each member of the following graduate committee and by majority vote has been found to be satisfactory Date Dr. Ed Adams, Chair Date Dr. Brad Rawlins Date Dr. Dale Cressmen BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY As chair of the candidate’s graduate committee, I have read the thesis of David Robert Schreindl in its final form and have found that (1) its format, citations, and bibliographical style are consistent and acceptable and fulfill university and department style requirements; (2) its illustrative materials including figures, tables, and charts are in place; and (3) the final manuscript is satisfactory to the graduate committee and is ready for submission to the university library. Date Dr. Ed. Adams Chair, Graduate Committee Accepted for the Department Dr. Brad Rawlins Graduate Coordinator Accepted for the College Rory Scanlon Associate Dean College of Fine Arts and Communications ABSTRACT SOWING THE SEEDS OF WAR: THE NEW YORK TIMES’ COVERAGE OF JAPANESE-AMERICAN TENSIONS, A PRELUDE TO CONFLICT IN THE PACIFIC, 1920-1941 David Robert Schreindl Department of Communications Master of Arts This thesis examines the New York Times’ coverage of unique generational influences between Japan and the United States from 1920 through the start of hostilities at Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The purpose of this project was to see if the Times gave Americans an accurate picture of the relationship between the two countries or to determine if there was a lapse in coverage exhibiting negligence on the part of this prominent paper. This thesis concludes that the New York Times was not negligent in its coverage of the issues prior to World War II. However, it was the Times’ inconsistent placement of its news articles about Japan with them never being in the same place in the newspaper and the gaps of time between coverage of specific topics. That meant only those with a v keen interest in what was happening in Japan and Japan’s attitude toward America would have had the determination and ability to put all the puzzle pieces together from the truck load of material to realize Japan’s increasing irritation with America and its view of an unavoidable war. The warnings were there if you were willing to look for them. vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost, I must thank my wife, Cheryl, for the inspiration to complete this ambitious project. Without her moral compass in my life I wouldn’t have even thought about returning to school and enjoying the fruits of this labor. Her willingness to leave her country and home and be my wife and then the wonderful mother of our wonderful daughter Amber has meant the world to me and given me the strength to make it though the dark times and appreciated the light times. I also must apologize for the many lonely days this project left her will and promise to always put her first so I’m home a little more often. My other inspiration is my daughter Heather, whom I wish I could see more often. I’m also grateful for my parents for all the love and support they have shown me throughout my life. I also couldn’t have made it though this project without the help of the faculty of the Brigham Young University Communications Department. I would like to thank Dr. Ed Adams for the mentorship he has given me over the past two years and his help in developing my historical talents. I value the support of Dr. Sherry Baker who has given me lots of encouragement. I appreciate Dr. Brad Rawlins and his insight and help when the decision finally came to switch directions on my thesis. And thank you to Dr. Dale Cressman, who jumped on board in a moments notice to add his input from his well of vii historical knowledge. I must also thank each and every other member of the staff and faculty who has touched my life in some way or another for the better. Also a thank you must go to Bobeta and Layne, without whom I would have starved or gone crazy or visa versa. I also appreciate the help of Professor Joel Campbell and all the 211 students who have molded me as much as I may have molded them. And of course I am thankful for the constant nourishment and inspiration from my Heavenly Father. viii TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE ................................................................................................................i GRADUATE COMMITTEE APPROVAL................................................................. iii FINAL READING APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE.............................................iv ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..........................................................................................vii TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................ix CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION Introduction ................................................................................................................1 Literature Review.......................................................................................................7 Methodology ............................................................................................................13 Limitations................................................................................................................15 CHAPTER TWO EXCLUSION, NATURALIZATION, IMMIGRATION, AND EMIGRATION Exclusion, Naturalization, and Immigration ............................................................16 Japan’s Reaction to the Exclusion Act.....................................................................24 American Opposition to Exclusion ..........................................................................27 Gentleman’s Agreement and Immigration Figures ..................................................29 London and Exclusion..............................................................................................30 Exclusion Effects and Japan’s Long Term Memory ................................................34 Exclusion Roots........................................................................................................37 Exclusion Ripple Affect ...........................................................................................40 Emigration and Population.......................................................................................44 CHAPTER THREE NAVAL TENSIONS AND THE THREAT OF WAR 1922 Washington Naval Limitations Treaty ............................................................50 New Limitations Conferences and Naval Building Mode .......................................52 1930 London Naval Limitations Treaty ...................................................................56 ix Naval Race or Naval Holiday...................................................................................62 1932-35 Naval Talks ................................................................................................65 Japan Voids Washington and London Treaties........................................................69 One Last Conference................................................................................................72 Location and Maneuvers of the American Fleet ......................................................75 War Tensions............................................................................................................78 War Irritations ..........................................................................................................86 CHAPTER FOUR CHINA AND PACIFIC TENSIONS China ........................................................................................................................90 Early Tensions..........................................................................................................91 Monroe Doctrine ......................................................................................................93 New Order and Co-Prosperity Sphere......................................................................95 Open Door and Treaty Violations ............................................................................97