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The Rise of Japan: A military history
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The First Sino-Japanese War
The First Sino-Japanese War (1 August 1894 - 17 April 1895) was a clash between the Qing Empire of China and the Empire of Japan over control and supremacy in Korea, a geographically-strategic country rich with resources, that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. Japan outclassed China in terms of technological modernity in the military, ending the conflict with the Treaty of Shimonoseki - where China agreed to recognise Korea’s independence and cede Taiwan. -
The Anglo-Japanese Alliance
An alliance (lasting from 1902 to 1923) where Britain and Japan, fearing Russian expansion in the Far East, agreed to protect each other’s interests in China and Korea. This alliance benefitted Japan as it discouraged France (Russia’s European ally) from supporting Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. Similarly, Japan later participated in WWI on the side of the Allies. The alliance became strained and eventually ended as Britain began to see Japan as a rival in the pacific. -
Treaty of Portsmouth
The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was concluded by the creation of the Treaty of Portsmouth: an agreement mediated by U.S President Theodore Roosevelt. The defeated Russians had to recognise Japanese dominance in Korea and cede the southern half of Sakhalin island. Both countries agreed to restore Manchuria to China. -
Japan Annexes Korea
As a followup to the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905 (where Korea officially became the protectorate of Japan) and the Japan-Korea of 1907 (where Korea essentially gave up control of its internal affairs), Japan's colonisation of Korea was formalised by the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty. -
The Twenty-One Demands
The Twenty-One Demands were a set of demands made by Japan during WWI for China that aimed to secure special privileges in China - a benefit which major European powers have already been enjoying previously. Anti-Japanese sentiment in China increased as the Chinese President's acquiesence to sign the ultimatum meant that Japan was granted special conecessions in Manchuria, mining claaims in Shangdong, access to harbours etc. -
The Treaty of Versailles
Japan was dissatisfied with the rewards the Treaty of Versailles allocated for its nation. For their contribution to the war effort in aiding the Allies, Japan only gained Germany's colonies in the pacific. Japan felt racially discriminated in the Paris Peace Conference and Japanese-British relations were becoming strained as well. -
The Washington Naval Conference
The Washington Conference was an international conference hosted and directed by the U.S in an effort to restrain the naval arms race and establish security agreements to balance power in the Pacific. Japan's agreeement in enacting the Four-Power Treaty, Five-Power Treaty and Nine-Power Treaty demonstrated its commitment international cooperation. -
Public Security Preservation Law of 1925
The law was promulgated under the adminstration of Kato Takaaki and was, in hindsight, one of the most signiciant laws passed before the war. The language used was very vauge and subjective, allowing goverment officials to interpret laws to their favour and increase militarism and totalitarianism overall in Japan. For example, under the provisions of this law, thousands of Communists were arrested and a 'thought police' section within the Home Ministry named Tokko was established as well. -
Hirohito Becomes Emperor
Hirohito became the emperor of Japan after the death of his father. The significance of the role that Hirohito played during Japan's military rise is a contentious topic for historians; he was either forced to follow the decisions of the militarists who came to dominate the government or he actively participated in the planning and execution of Japanese expansionist foreign policy. -
The Manchurian Crisis
In 1931, Japan responded to the world-wide economic depression by seizing resources and territory abroad. In September, the Japanese owned railroad from Manchuria was vandalised at Mukden. Historians have postulated from evidence that the explosion was actually staged by Japanese troops in order to allow a retaliatory attack. Japan invaded Manchuria and began to occupy cities and towns. -
Manchuoko
By February 1932, Japan had already conquered the whole of Manchuria, killing thousands of Chinese soldiers and civilians along the way. China's effort to seek help from the League of Nations proved futile as the League practically completely failed to respond whilst Japan itself chose to leave the League in 1933. Japan succeeded in setting up the puppet state of Manchuoko. -
Anti-Comintern Pact
This was an agreement between Germany and Japan (and later Italy) to directly oppose Communism (specifically the Soviet Union). This unification of imperial or fascist powers solidified their opposition against the Allies in the coming years. -
National Mobilisation Bill
The National Mobilisation Law, legislated by Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe, aimed to prepare the national economy for total war. The law had fifty clauses which increased government control over civilian organisations, the nationalisation of strategic industries, price controls etc. The government was also given no limit on budget to subsidise war production. -
Tripartite Pact
The Tripartite Pact was a defensive military alliance between Germany, Italy and Japan that mainly acted to threaten the U.S even though the practical effects of the pact would be questionable due to the lack of geographical proximity and different strategic interests. -
Imperial Rule Assistance Association
The Imperial Rule Assistance Association was established under Prime Minister Konoe to ultimately aid achieve Japan's shift into a totalitarian single-party state. All political parties were later banned in Japan. -
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor
Japan invaded the rest of Indo-China in July and a total oil embargo was impsoed on Japan by the US. Japan attacked the naval base of Pearl Harbor in December, sparking hostility in the U.S leading to a declaration of war and the U.S's involvement in WWII.
