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Treaty of Kanagawa
Korea gained their independence, and Japan was given preferential treatment in foreign relations. -
Meiji Constitution
The Meiji Restoration started in 1868, but this constitution sought to protect Japan while leading the country into modern systems of government. This development later leads to Japan rising in power and influence as the country gains prestigage among its Western peers. -
Qing Dynasty declares war on Japan
China became increasingly irritated as Japan continued interfere with Korean affairs; Japan first occupied Korea in 1894. -
Treaty of Shimonoseki
China requests peace with Japan, and Korea is given full independence from China; Japan also receives Taiwan and the Liaodong Pennisula. -
Tripartite Intervention
Russia, Germany, and France interfere with the Treaty of Shimonoseki and force Japan to relinquish control over some of its acquired territories. -
Anglo-Japanese Alliance
This alliance was formed between Japan and Britain; in essence, it stated that these countries would assist one another in respecting their interests in China and Korea. -
Russo-Japanese War
This war was fought between Japan and Russia. Japan was victorious in 1905 and forced Russia to cease its expansionist policy in the East. -
Treaty of Portsmouth
Russia recognizes Japan's claim to Korea, and Japan is given a 25-year lease on Port Arthur; first time an Asian power defeats a Western power. -
First World War begins
As a result of the war, Japan's economy had a boost. -
Paris Peace Conference
This meeting followed the First World War. Japan, the United States, Italy, Britain, and France were the dominate powers in this meeting. -
Four-Power Treaty
This agreement between the United States, Britain, France, and Japan related to respecting territories. -
Five-Power Treaty
Between Japan, the United States of America, Britain, Italy, and France; stated that there would be a tonnage ratio of 3:5:5:1.67:1.67, respectively. -
Nine-Power Treaty
Japan recognizes Chinese territory and sovereignity. -
Peace Protection Law
In an attempt to protect the Japanese way of life, the Peace Protection Law was put into effect. It allowed the arrest of those who advocated for government change, especially communists. -
London Naval Conference
Japan wanted 70% of the United State's fleet size but was only given 69.75%; the government becomes more radical as a result because this conference limited Japan's navy. -
Mukden Incident
A bomb explodes on the South Manchuria Railway; the army blames Chinese terrorists and makes arrests. This conflict leads to Japan taking over Manchuria. -
Lytton Commission formed
A special commission created to investigate the Manchurian Crisis; the commision recommends that Japan should withdraw from their Manchurian conquests, but Japan refuses. -
Manchukuo Established
Japanese puppet state, Manchukuo, was created from Manchuria. -
Tanggu Truce
Truce signed between China and Japan, which recognized Japanese conquests. -
Japan leaves the League of Nations
After being condemned as an aggressor state, Japan leaves the League of Nations and captures Jehol. -
Qin-Doihara Agreement
China agrees to remove all troops from the Manchukuo border because it had more interest in destroying the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). -
Second London Naval Treaty
Japan withdrew because they had no interest in limiting the size of their navy; this agreement was originally between the United States, Britain, France, and Japan. -
Umezu-He Agreement
This agreement initiated the official withdraw of Japan, creating a large demilitarized zone through northern China. -
Anti-Comintern Pact
Agreement between Germany and Japan to form a pact to contain the spread of communism. -
Marco Polo Bridge Incident
Open fire event between the Japanese and Chinese armies, in which Japan uses to wage a full-scale war. -
Second Sino-Japanese War
1937-1945: Japan forms the Shanghai Expeditionary Army with the intention to capture Shanghai. Japan, with superior air and naval forces, won. -
Capture of Wuhan
Japan was able to capture the temporary capital of China, Wuhan; Soviets become involved and send troops to Lack Khasan, delaying the Japanese attack on Wuhan; as a result, the Chinese are able to somewhat withdraw from the area. -
Great East Asian War
Japan uses propaganda to create the impression of a war against the free Asians and the white imperialists.
