Japan’s expansionist foreign policy

• Modernisation of Japan


  • To prevent suffering the same fate as China, Japan began modernisation in 1868, known as Meiji Restoration.

  • Japan transformed into an important Asian power by the early 1900s.

  • In the 1920s, Japan was well respected internationally

  • It became a full member of the League of Nations and took part in disarmament after WWI.

  • In 1921, Japan signed the Washington Naval Treaty along with Britain, France and the USA to reduce the building of warships

  • Japan felt this was unfair as they had to reduce more naval strength than the USA and Britain.
• Japan’s ambitions

  • Japan wanted to be seen as equal with the Western powers.

  • Ultranationalism, a fierce and aggressive form of nationalism was promoted.

  • Japan did not have raw materials such as iron ore and coal.

  • In the 1920s, Japan depended on importing raw materials from China and food for its growing population.

  • Many ultranationalists argued that Japan had to expand to get access to raw materials.
• Rise of Militarism

  • Tensions between civilian politicians and military leaders worsened as the ultranationalist military commanders grew in prominence.
  • The military commanders believed that military service was an honour and a noble calling.
  • Many Japanese officers felt that it was Japan’s destiny to remove Western powers and expand its rule over Asia.
  • Such beliefs became popular in Japan.
  • By 1936, the military was running Japan.
• Japan and the Western Powers

  • saw Britain, Russia and the USA as rivals and obstacles
  • Felt that USA had abandoned them with economic policies in the 1930s when it stopped importing goods from Japan
  • USSR seen as threat as communism teaches that societies should not be run by emperors. Border with J’s empire in Manchuria was a concern as it was an area to hold back USSR and gain resources if war took place
  • Br and J had cooperated in the early 1900s but by 1930s, relationships worsened because of British criticism of J over Manchuria. Since Br had colonies in Asia, it was viewed as a rival.
• The Great Depression and search for self-sufficiency


  • 1929, Wall Street Crash in the USA, led to the Great Depression
  • Damaged Japan’s economy as it relied on foreign trade.
  • Severe unemployment and effects of the Great Depression on Japan put pressure on civilian politicians
  • economic crisis convinced the ultranationalists and military commanders that democracy was failing and could not solve Japan’s problems
  • Introduction of tariffs by USA hurt Japan’s export trade
  • This convinced the ultranationalists that other countries could not be relied upon and Japan needed to be self-sufficient.