The Status of Japan The Japanese Ideology of

The Status of Japan • The Japanese Ideology of the time slightly mimics German Ideology:

• With regards to race, the Japanese believe Asians are on top • And within Asian society, the Yamato, or Japanese, are on top

• Japan is also very suspicious of the West, ever since the Treaty of Versailles – Denial of a “Racial Equality Clause” – Plan to create a “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere” (GEACPS)

• Imperial drive also comes from: – Limited raw materials and markets – Economic depression

• Emperor Hirohito leads the country, though his power is limited – He is seen as a living god

• There was a rise in militarism in Japan – General Hideki Tojo wants to drive the West out of the Pacific and wants to control China (GEACPS) – Prime Minister in 1940

Japan Makes a Move • Japan actually made its first move 10 years prior to WWII…when it seized Manchuria

• Six years later, Japan bumped up its aggression toward China…

• Their attacks culminated in the 1937 “Rape of Nanking” in China – 6 weeks… 300, 000 to 600, 000 killed • By 1940, Japan controlled most of Eastern China…and set its sights on the future

America’s Watching • President Roosevelt is becoming concerned with the fate of the world…

• However, America doesn’t want to get involved with either conflict – Isolationism • Focus on issues at home

• The U. S. first passed a series of Neutrality Acts – The U. S. will withhold weapons and loans from all nations at war – Nonmilitary items need cash payment and transport

• But German aggression scared many Americans into advocating assistance to Britain

• And Roosevelt passed new legislation – Lend-Lease Act: Aiding any nation whose defense was believed to be vital to American security