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Background
Korea was located opposite of Japan. Its coal and iron resources made Korea attractive to Japan. They didn’t care how long Korea had been doing business with China, they still pursued them (Sino-Japanese War). Unlike China, Japan had westernized since the Industrial Revolution and had become a great power that was capable of defending itself against other countries (Sino-Japanese War, 1894–1895). While Japan had modernized quickly, China still considered Korea to be a vassal state (Dobbs). -
Korean independence from China
Japan forced Korea to declare its independence from China and to open itself to international trade, especially with Japan (Sino-Japanese War). -
Attempted Overthrow of the Korean government
Pro-Japanese reformers attempted to overthrow the Korean government, but Yuan Shikai, a Chinese General, rescued the king. In the process, Shikai also killed several Japanese guards (Sino-Japanese War). -
War was avoided
War was avoided for the time between Japan and China after they signed the Li-Ito Convention. In this document, both countries agreed to withdraw their troops from Korea (Sino-Japanese War). -
China had a huge influence on Korea
China had a huge influence on Korea in the 1890’s (Japan 132). -
Tension between Japan and China
There was a lot of tension because both countries wanted control/occupancy of Korea (Sino-Japanese War). Japan was more radical, while China was more conservative (Sino-Japanese War). -
The first war begins
There was a rebellion in Korea, and the Korean government asked for China to help them out. Japan got offended and considered this a breach of their treaty, so they sent 8,000 troops to Korea (Sino-Japanese War). The Japanese navy also sank a Chinese troop transport. These factors led to war being declared on the first of August in 1894 (Dobbs). -
Japan attacks Shandong province and Manchuria
By the date of March 1895, Japan had attacked Shandong province and Manchuria. (Sino-Japanese War). -
Japan and China signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki
In 1895, the Treaty of Shimonoseki ended the war .(Sino-Japanese War). -
Japan returns Liaodong
Russia, France, and Germany helped Russia and they forced Japan to return Liaodong (Dobbs). -
Japan signs treaty for benefits
In 1896, Japan signs a treaty for tax exemptions and other trade privileges (Japan 132.) -
Causes of the Second Sino-Japanese war
Growing opposition to the Chinese policy of self-strengthening led to counterattacking which began in North China and Manchuria and the kidnapping of Chiang Kai-shek at Xi'an (First). -
Agreeing to terms
Chiang was forced to agree to Japanese terms for his release (First). -
The war has begun
Full war commenced. The Japanese strategy was aimed at taking the cities, the roads, and the railroads (Sino). -
Marco Polo Bridge
Japanese attacked the Chinese at Marco Polo bridge (First). -
Refused Negotiations
Chiang Kai-shek refused to negotiations with Japan and placed troops outside the Japanese settlement at Shanghai (Sino). -
Shanghai is taken
Shanghai falls to the Japanese forces (First). -
Japanese take more cities
Hankou and Guangzhou were taken (Sino). -
Guerrila Fighting
The Japanese swept over the eastern coastal area and guerrilla fighting started (Sino). -
Chinese Supplies
Chinese supplies were insufficient. They could not sustain their power (Sino). -
Japanese Army During the Sino- Japanese war
The Japanese nearly surrendered. Most soldiers died through starvation or being held hostage (Sino- Japanese Controversy). -
Pearl Harbor Attack
The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. This resulted in the American entry in World War II (American). -
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt signs contract declaring war against Japan (American). -
Germany and Italy declare war
Germany and Italy declare war on the United States (Sino- Japanese Controversy). -
Japanese Surrender
World War II casualties caused the Japanese to surrender. Ending the Sino- Japanese War and WWII (Japanese Immigrant Nationalsim). -
Conclusion
The Sino-Japanese War helped modernize Japan. China still abided by old customs, unlike Japan.
