HISTORY P1 NOTES IBDP2
JAPANESE EXPANSION IN ASIA 1931-41
1. CAUSES OF EXPANSION
THE IMPACT OF JAPANESE NATIONALISM AND MILITARISM ON FOREIGN POLICY
The Meiji Restoration established the Meiji Emperor as the head of government in Japan, ending centuries of
feudalism. The new government introduced a series of reforms, causing many tensions in Japan. Eventually,
an ultranationalist state developed, with increasing power and influence of the military.
The Meiji Constitution
The Meiji Constitution was given as a gift by the Emperor to the people of Japan in 1889.
It made the Emperor of Japan head of state and declared him to be a divine individual.
It also established a parliament, known as the Diet.
Much political power, however, developed among members of the Privy Council, cabinet and military.
• The Emperor of Japan was head of state and a divine individual, giving him supreme authority.
• The Privy Council acted as advisors to the Emperor and controlled access to him.
• The cabinet consisted of ministers responsible for the various functions of government and reported to the
Emperor.
• The military was granted a lot of independence in the constitution and was directly responsible to the
Emperor. They used their positions in the cabinet to gain more power by threatening vetoes of laws that
could cause the collapse of government.
• The Diet consisted of two bodies.
• The House of Representatives was elected by those with suffrage: could create and pass laws.
• The House of Peers could approve or reject laws passed by the House of Representatives.
Education and loyalty to the state
Education was mandatory for all citizens. After some opposition to government grew, the curriculum changed
to emphasize loyalty and to value the Emperor, his divinity and Japan’s uniqueness in the world and in
history.
Changes to education helped in the growth of ultranationalism, also known as radical nationalism. This was
similar to fascism. When military-type training was introduced to schools during the 1920s, the connection
between education, the military and nationalism strengthened the appeal of the military throughout the
country.
The rise of radical nationalism
Japan’s uniqueness was a key characteristic of ultranationalism and radical nationalism.
Special mission
The Japanese believed they were on a special mission. What made Japan special?
• The Emperor was divine.
• It had never been conquered by Europeans or Americans.
• It had a long history of independence.
• Most citizens were Japanese who shared a common culture and history.
• It was the only non-European state to win a war against a European state through the Russo-Japanese
War, 1904–5.
• It was a major power both militarily and industrially.
Japan’s unique characteristics gave it a special mission to lead all of Asia and remove all non-Asian
influences from the region.
Radical nationalism formed when the idea that anything that harmed Japan’s Emperor and Japan must be
prevented.
Radical nationalists used threats and assassinations to protect Japan and achieve its special mission.
Growth of militarism
A strong military with a large navy and army was needed to achieve the special mission. The move towards
militarism strengthened. The military held increasing power and influence in Japanese politics.
MILITARISM AND FOREIGN POLICY
Militarism had a long history in Japan. Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan had been ruled by a military
dictator, known as a shogūn, not the Emperor. The Emperor’s primary role was as a symbol of the nation.
Japan grew stronger during this period. It soon began to look towards neighbouring states and their
resources in order to expand its empire.
Militarism before the First World War
Japan’s modernization and industrialization developed at an impressive rate. Japan was becoming a power
nation able to influence other countries in the region, perhaps to dominate them. The increased power
encouraged its leaders to act on its long-term interest in Korea and to battle with Russia, China and Taiwan.
, HISTORY P1 NOTES IBDP2
The First World War gave Japan a chance to show the entire world, especially China and Germany, its new
industrial and military prowess.
Korea 1876–1905
Japan used its new might to force Korea to agree to the Japan–Korea Treaty (1876), also known as the
Japan–Korea Treaty of Amity or the Treaty of Ganghwa Island. Its key terms were:
• Korea was no longer a tributary of China.
• Japanese citizens could not be arrested or tried in Korean courts.
• Korea could not impose any restrictions on Japanese trade.
• Japan was permitted the use of three ports.
Between 1884 and 1895, political turmoil, violence and foreign intervention were common in Korea.
When the Korean government asked for Chinese assistance in putting down a peasant revolt in 1894, Japan
declared Korea in violation of the Japan–Korea Treaty. Japanese troops took control of Korea and
assassinated the opposition leader, Empress Myeongseong.
These actions led to war between Japan and China.
First Sino-Japanese War 1894–5
War between Japan and the Qing Dynasty of China had been building for years.
There were many causes:
• Japan’s interference in Korea such as those stated above
• Japan’s use of assassinations in Korea
• China’s banning of Japanese imported goods.
War broke out in August 1894.
Japan’s more modern military quickly pushed Chinese troops out of Korea, invaded Manchuria, seized the
important ports of Port Arthur and Weihaiwei, and captured islands near Taiwan.
Before long, China requested terms for peace.
The Treaty of Shimonoseki, agreed to in April 1895, favoured Japan by giving it:
• Taiwan and the Liaodong Peninsula
• permission to operate ships on the Yangtze River
• the right to have factories and import goods at four Chinese ports
• a large indemnity to be paid by China.
Russia, Germany and France quickly denounced the Treaty of Shimonoseki and demanded its alteration.
This is known as the Tripartite Intervention. It resulted in:
• Russia taking control of the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur
• Germany gaining control of the Shantung Peninsula and the port of Weihaiwei
• Japan ruling Taiwan.
The Tripartite Intervention left Japan humiliated.
Shortly afterwards in May 1895, Taiwan declared itself to be the Republic of Formosa in a challenge to
Japanese rule. Five months later, Japanese forces defeated the rebel forces, leaving Taiwan under
Japanese control.
Russia
Russia emerged as Japan’s primary challenger.
Tensions between the two countries centred on the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur.
Japan’s economy benefited from its rapid industrialization. Rapid economic growth allowed Japan to enlarge
its army and navy. Japan also began looking for allies.
Anglo-Japanese Alliance 1902
Russia also was rapidly industrialized and looked to expand into China.
Concerned with Russian intent in China, Britain and Japan formed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902.
The alliance reassured Japan that a war with Russia would not expand into a wider war with other countries
as those countries would then be at war with Britain, a world power.
Japan could now provoke a war against Russia with a greater confidence of victory.
Russo-Japanese War 1904–5
Tensions between Russia and Japan had continually increased since the Tripartite Intervention.
Consequent Russian actions in China and Korea provoked Japan.
Russia:
• leased Port Arthur and parts of the Liaodong Peninsula from China
• stationed warships in Port Arthur and fortified its defences
• began construction of a railway linking Port Arthur to Russia through Manchuria, a province of China
• pressured Korea for mining and forestry rights
• stationed a large army in Manchuria as protection from the Boxer Rebellion and kept it there after the
rebellion failed.
Diplomatic talks between the two countries failed when a Japanese proposal to establish spheres of
influence in the region was ignored by Russia.
Japan expelled the Russian ambassador and ended all relations between the two countries.
The war started soon afterwards.
• Japan attacked the Russian navy in Port Arthur in February 1904.
• Japan then invaded Korea and Manchuria. • Port Arthur came under siege from the Japanese.
• In December 1904, Japanese artillery destroyed the Russian fleet in Port Arthur.
JAPANESE EXPANSION IN ASIA 1931-41
1. CAUSES OF EXPANSION
THE IMPACT OF JAPANESE NATIONALISM AND MILITARISM ON FOREIGN POLICY
The Meiji Restoration established the Meiji Emperor as the head of government in Japan, ending centuries of
feudalism. The new government introduced a series of reforms, causing many tensions in Japan. Eventually,
an ultranationalist state developed, with increasing power and influence of the military.
The Meiji Constitution
The Meiji Constitution was given as a gift by the Emperor to the people of Japan in 1889.
It made the Emperor of Japan head of state and declared him to be a divine individual.
It also established a parliament, known as the Diet.
Much political power, however, developed among members of the Privy Council, cabinet and military.
• The Emperor of Japan was head of state and a divine individual, giving him supreme authority.
• The Privy Council acted as advisors to the Emperor and controlled access to him.
• The cabinet consisted of ministers responsible for the various functions of government and reported to the
Emperor.
• The military was granted a lot of independence in the constitution and was directly responsible to the
Emperor. They used their positions in the cabinet to gain more power by threatening vetoes of laws that
could cause the collapse of government.
• The Diet consisted of two bodies.
• The House of Representatives was elected by those with suffrage: could create and pass laws.
• The House of Peers could approve or reject laws passed by the House of Representatives.
Education and loyalty to the state
Education was mandatory for all citizens. After some opposition to government grew, the curriculum changed
to emphasize loyalty and to value the Emperor, his divinity and Japan’s uniqueness in the world and in
history.
Changes to education helped in the growth of ultranationalism, also known as radical nationalism. This was
similar to fascism. When military-type training was introduced to schools during the 1920s, the connection
between education, the military and nationalism strengthened the appeal of the military throughout the
country.
The rise of radical nationalism
Japan’s uniqueness was a key characteristic of ultranationalism and radical nationalism.
Special mission
The Japanese believed they were on a special mission. What made Japan special?
• The Emperor was divine.
• It had never been conquered by Europeans or Americans.
• It had a long history of independence.
• Most citizens were Japanese who shared a common culture and history.
• It was the only non-European state to win a war against a European state through the Russo-Japanese
War, 1904–5.
• It was a major power both militarily and industrially.
Japan’s unique characteristics gave it a special mission to lead all of Asia and remove all non-Asian
influences from the region.
Radical nationalism formed when the idea that anything that harmed Japan’s Emperor and Japan must be
prevented.
Radical nationalists used threats and assassinations to protect Japan and achieve its special mission.
Growth of militarism
A strong military with a large navy and army was needed to achieve the special mission. The move towards
militarism strengthened. The military held increasing power and influence in Japanese politics.
MILITARISM AND FOREIGN POLICY
Militarism had a long history in Japan. Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan had been ruled by a military
dictator, known as a shogūn, not the Emperor. The Emperor’s primary role was as a symbol of the nation.
Japan grew stronger during this period. It soon began to look towards neighbouring states and their
resources in order to expand its empire.
Militarism before the First World War
Japan’s modernization and industrialization developed at an impressive rate. Japan was becoming a power
nation able to influence other countries in the region, perhaps to dominate them. The increased power
encouraged its leaders to act on its long-term interest in Korea and to battle with Russia, China and Taiwan.
, HISTORY P1 NOTES IBDP2
The First World War gave Japan a chance to show the entire world, especially China and Germany, its new
industrial and military prowess.
Korea 1876–1905
Japan used its new might to force Korea to agree to the Japan–Korea Treaty (1876), also known as the
Japan–Korea Treaty of Amity or the Treaty of Ganghwa Island. Its key terms were:
• Korea was no longer a tributary of China.
• Japanese citizens could not be arrested or tried in Korean courts.
• Korea could not impose any restrictions on Japanese trade.
• Japan was permitted the use of three ports.
Between 1884 and 1895, political turmoil, violence and foreign intervention were common in Korea.
When the Korean government asked for Chinese assistance in putting down a peasant revolt in 1894, Japan
declared Korea in violation of the Japan–Korea Treaty. Japanese troops took control of Korea and
assassinated the opposition leader, Empress Myeongseong.
These actions led to war between Japan and China.
First Sino-Japanese War 1894–5
War between Japan and the Qing Dynasty of China had been building for years.
There were many causes:
• Japan’s interference in Korea such as those stated above
• Japan’s use of assassinations in Korea
• China’s banning of Japanese imported goods.
War broke out in August 1894.
Japan’s more modern military quickly pushed Chinese troops out of Korea, invaded Manchuria, seized the
important ports of Port Arthur and Weihaiwei, and captured islands near Taiwan.
Before long, China requested terms for peace.
The Treaty of Shimonoseki, agreed to in April 1895, favoured Japan by giving it:
• Taiwan and the Liaodong Peninsula
• permission to operate ships on the Yangtze River
• the right to have factories and import goods at four Chinese ports
• a large indemnity to be paid by China.
Russia, Germany and France quickly denounced the Treaty of Shimonoseki and demanded its alteration.
This is known as the Tripartite Intervention. It resulted in:
• Russia taking control of the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur
• Germany gaining control of the Shantung Peninsula and the port of Weihaiwei
• Japan ruling Taiwan.
The Tripartite Intervention left Japan humiliated.
Shortly afterwards in May 1895, Taiwan declared itself to be the Republic of Formosa in a challenge to
Japanese rule. Five months later, Japanese forces defeated the rebel forces, leaving Taiwan under
Japanese control.
Russia
Russia emerged as Japan’s primary challenger.
Tensions between the two countries centred on the Liaodong Peninsula and Port Arthur.
Japan’s economy benefited from its rapid industrialization. Rapid economic growth allowed Japan to enlarge
its army and navy. Japan also began looking for allies.
Anglo-Japanese Alliance 1902
Russia also was rapidly industrialized and looked to expand into China.
Concerned with Russian intent in China, Britain and Japan formed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance of 1902.
The alliance reassured Japan that a war with Russia would not expand into a wider war with other countries
as those countries would then be at war with Britain, a world power.
Japan could now provoke a war against Russia with a greater confidence of victory.
Russo-Japanese War 1904–5
Tensions between Russia and Japan had continually increased since the Tripartite Intervention.
Consequent Russian actions in China and Korea provoked Japan.
Russia:
• leased Port Arthur and parts of the Liaodong Peninsula from China
• stationed warships in Port Arthur and fortified its defences
• began construction of a railway linking Port Arthur to Russia through Manchuria, a province of China
• pressured Korea for mining and forestry rights
• stationed a large army in Manchuria as protection from the Boxer Rebellion and kept it there after the
rebellion failed.
Diplomatic talks between the two countries failed when a Japanese proposal to establish spheres of
influence in the region was ignored by Russia.
Japan expelled the Russian ambassador and ended all relations between the two countries.
The war started soon afterwards.
• Japan attacked the Russian navy in Port Arthur in February 1904.
• Japan then invaded Korea and Manchuria. • Port Arthur came under siege from the Japanese.
• In December 1904, Japanese artillery destroyed the Russian fleet in Port Arthur.
