Document Based Question s1

Document Based Question

Did Japan’s involvement in World War Two stem from a perceived threat to existence from European powers and America, an actual threat from European Powers and America, or a natural progression of industrialization which led to totalitarianism and, in turn to militarism and “conflict” imperialism ?

Based on the following documents, discuss Japan’s rise toward war, exploring internal and external factors, and the role played by other nations. What kinds of additional documentation would help assess Japan’s rise toward war.

Document One

From “A Concise History of Asia”. M. W. Meyer; New York, 1997; Conflict in Asia (1937 to 1945) Part Three, Chapter Fifteen, Chapter Sixteen.

Chronology 1868 – 1912 The Meiji emperor’s reign in Japan 1872 Ryukus annexed

1889 Meiji Constitution 1910 Japan annexes Korea 1907 – 1916 Four Russo – Japanese agreements on spheres of influence in East Asia Treaty of Versailles awards ex-German central Pacific islands to Japan as 1919 colonies 1918 – 1920 Japan and the United States participates in Siberian intervention Japanese take over Manchuria; established state of Manchuko; Hoover 1931 non-recognition doctrine

1932 Japanese army attempts coup in Tokyo (May 15) 1933 Japan walks out of the League of Nations 1935, 1937 U. S. Neutrality Acts 1936 Another Japanese army attempted coup in Tokyo Soviets sell Chinese Eastern Railway to Japan; Japanese now into 1937 northern China 1937 – 1941 Sino – Japanese undeclared war 1938 – 1941 U. S. economic sanctions against Japan

Japanese imperial conference decides to move into Southeast Asia (July); creation of the U. S. Armed Forces in the Far East under MacArthur 1941 (July); December 7 chosen by Japan as Pearl Harbor attack date (November 17); U. S. declares was (December 8).

Document Two

From “Japan: A Documentary History”, Shapre, New York, 1997; Japan’s Doctrinal Basis for the War

Japanese Ministry of Education on August 1, 1941, issued a booklet entitled The Way of Subjects, which was assigned as required reading in most universities and secondary schools. The booklet claimed the character of the country was much impaired by the “influx of European and American culture,” which brought the evils of “individualism, liberalism, utilitarianism and materialism.” The way of subjects was to return to the Japanese spirit, to guard and maintain the Imperial Throne and to perform services for the state selfishly. To this end the Japanese people were called upon to make sacrifices for the Emperor and to create a national defense state in time of peace as well as in war.

Document Three

From “Japan: A Documentary History”; “Statement by President of the Planning Board Suzuki Teichi, January, 1941:

“I am going to give a summary of the outlook with regard to our national strength particularly in vital materials, in case we go to war against Great Britain, the United States, and the Netherlands. If we can constantly maintain a minimum of 3 million tons of shipping for civilian use, it will be possible to secure supplies in the amount called for…from Thailand , French Indochina, and if we can occupy important points in the Netherlands East Indies in a short period of time, we can expect to obtain the following major items in these amounts:

Item Tons Nickel ore 6,000 Tin 1,200

Bauxite 17,000

Crude Rubber 17,000

Cassava Root 15,000

Sisal 3,000

Industrial Salt 7,000 Aviation Gasoline 140,000kl Petroleum 4.5 million kl

In the event we avoid war and our present domestic and foreign posture… we will suffer unspeakable hardships and privations…”

Document Four

From “Japan: A Documentary History”, Imperial Conference, November 5, 1941, Agenda: “Essentials for carrying out the Empire’s Policies”

I. Our Empire, in order to resolve the present critical situation, assure its self- preservation and self-defense, and establish a New Order in Greater East Asia, decides on this occasion to go to war against the United States and Great Britain and takes the following measures:

1. The time for resorting to force is set at the beginning of December, and the army and navy will complete preparations for operations.

2. Negotiations with the United States will be carried out in accordance with the attached document.

3. Cooperation with Germany and Italy will be strengthened.

4. Close military relations with Thailand will be established just prior to the use of force.

II. If negotiations with the United States are successful by midnight of December 1, the use of force will be suspended.

Document Five

From “Japan: A Documentary History”, Statement by Foreign Minister Togo Shigenori, September 6, 1941

“The successful conclusion of the China Incident and the establishment of the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere would assure the existence of our Empire and lay the foundation for stability in East Asia. To achieve these objectives, our empire must be prepared to sweep away any and all obstacles… Since the outbreak of the China Incident, both the British and American Governments have obstructed our advance on the continent. On the one had they have aided the Chinese, on the other they have checked our activities in China or have stepped up their economic measures against us. Needless to say, Great Britain, which has acquired more interests than anyone else in East Asia, took all kinds of measures to obstruct us from the beginning. America, working with her, abrogated the Japanese- American Trade Agreement, limited or banned imports and exports, and took other measures to increase her pressure on Japan, and along with Central and South America going along with her, froze our assets and tried to prevent us from carrying out our national policies…. As I see it, the situation is becoming more and more critical every day, and negotiations with the United States are very much restricted by the time element…. Finally, I should like to add that we are going to negotiate on the basis of an understanding that in the event our present negotiations lead to a settlement, all emergency measures that have been taken by the Imperial Government will be rescinded. In case the present negotiations should unfortunately fail to lead to an agreement, we intend to strengthen our cooperative arrangements with Germany and Italy and to take a variety of measures so as to be prepared for any situation.”

Document Six

The Neutrality Act of 1937 – May 1, 1937

“…Whenever the President shall find that there exists a state of war between, or among, two or more foreign states, the President shall proclaim such fact, and it shall thereafter be unlawful to export, or attempt to export, or cause to be exported arms, ammunition, or implements of war from any place in the United States to any belligerant state, or to any neutral state for transshipment to or for the use of any such belligerant state…When ever the President shall have issued a proclamation under the authority of …this act he shall thereafter find that the placing of restrictions on the shipment of certain articles or materials in addition to arms, ammunition and implements of war…is necessary to promote the security or preserve the peace of the United States, or to protect the lives of citizens of the United States….The President shall by proclamation from time to time definitely enumerate the articles and materials which it shall be unlawful for American vessels so to transport. …When ever the President shall have issued a proclamation under this authority…it shall be unlawful for any person within the United States to purchase, sell, or exchange bonds, securities, or other obligations of any government of beligerant state or of any state wherein civil strife exists, named in such proclamation…”

Document Seven - American Propaganda Poster, May 1945

Document Eight British Propaganda Poster, 1939