1) Japan struggled with maintaining a democratic government in the early 20th century as the military grew more powerful and influential. 2) In the 1930s, militarists took control of the government and pursued expanding Japan's empire through invading neighboring countries like Manchuria and China to acquire land and resources. 3) The Japanese military brutally massacred an estimated 200,000-300,000 civilians in the city of Nanjing during their invasion and occupation of China in 1937, driven by beliefs of Japanese racial superiority.

1. Causes of WWII: JAPAN

2. Early 20 th century Japan Mix of western and eastern influences Gov’t: Parliament w/a monarchy Only real industrialized, modern, Asian country. The Emperor has no real authority under democratic gov’t.

3. Democracy Struggles in Japan 1920s: Gov’t becomes more democratic 1922: Treaty sign to respect Chinese borders 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact

4. Problems with Japan’s parliamentary system Constitution: strict limits on Prime Minister & cabinet Civilian Gov’t had no control over the military Military leaders only reported to the Emperor: Hirohito

5. Militarist take control 1930s Great Depression strikes the world. People blame the gov’t Military (under Tojo) gains support and eventual control Traditional view of gov’t restored Hirohito became figurehead -Tojo as General

6. Japanese Military and Nationalist Solve countries problems through foreign expansion They planned a Pacific empire rich with raw materials and growing space

8. Japan declares War 1931 Japan seizes Manchuria Parliament objects but is powerless Army set up puppet gov’t Began to build mines and factories=raw materials

9. League of Nations Reactions Japan’s attack on Manchuria was 1 st real challenge to LoN Vigorously protested No power to enforce anything Japan withdrew in 1933

10. Japan invades China July 1937 border dispute prompts full scale invasion Japanese army out numbered by one million strong Chinese Army What do you think happened?

11. Japan Invades China Chinese army was poorly equipped and not fully modern Japan crushed Chinese resistance initially By the end of 1937 Japan had captured Bijing and Nanjing (the capital) Chinese army retreated to the south

12. The Rape of Nanjing Dec 1937 Japanese troops killed thousands of civilians Women raped and killed Children bayoneted Men were rounded up and beheaded. Why?

13. Men being buried alive

14. Japanese press Glorified the “rape” of the city Two Japanese sub lieutenants, said to be competing with each other to see who could kill one hundred Chinese first. The bold headline said, "Contest to Kill First 100 Chinese with Sword Extended When Both Fighters Exceed Mark — Mukai Scores 106 and Noda 105"

15. Atrocities against humanity: 127,000 - 300,000 murdered

16. Why did this happen? Bushido code “samurai” Japanese soldier is ruthless, and well trained. Chinese were seen as less than human by the Japanese. Any……

17. Japanese expansion continues 1937-1941 Japan controls most of coastal China and Korea Continues to advance throughout the Pacific for land and raw materials to fuel the war machine and the economy.

18. December 7th 1941 Japan attacks the US at Pearl Harbor (preemptive strike) Japanese knew they would have to deal with the US sooner or later. 2,400 Americans killed US declares war on Japan