This lesson examines Japan’s expansion into China and its growing ambitions across Asia. These events helped turn regional conflict into a global crisis.
Japan had long sought greater influence in East Asia. Japanese leaders also resented the Western powers’ treatment of Japan, including the rejection of its proposed racial-equality amendment at the Versailles peace conference. Japan presented its expansion as a campaign to free Asia from Western colonial influence, but it also sought to become the region’s dominant power.
All flashcards
Mukden Incident
In 1931, Japanese troops detonated explosives near the South Manchuria Railway and blamed Chinese saboteurs, giving Japan a pretext to invade Manchuria.
Manchukuo
The name Japan gave to Manchuria after invading and annexing it; Japan exploited the region’s resources for its economy and military.
Second United Front
An agreement in which China’s Nationalists and Communists halted their civil war and joined forces against Japan.
Rape of Nanking
The mass killings and widespread sexual violence Japanese forces committed after capturing Nanjing.
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
Japan’s stated vision of an Asia free from Western colonial rule, which in practice advanced Japanese dominance and resource acquisition.
Quiz questions
What did the secret protocols of the 1939 German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact provide for?Answer: Dividing parts of eastern Europe, including Poland, into German and Soviet spheres of influence.
What was the main result of the Xian Incident in 1936?Answer: Chiang Kai-shek was pressured to halt the civil war and resist Japan alongside the Communists.
Which sequence best describes German blitzkrieg tactics?Answer: Air attacks disrupted defenses, then fast ground forces broke through and encircled opponents.
What did the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 authorize the United States to do?Answer: Provide defense materials to countries considered vital to American security.
Why did the 1933 Tanggu Truce matter to China?Answer: It established a demilitarized zone south of the Great Wall, separating Manchukuo from the rest of China.
Based on World History Volume 2, from 1400 by Ann Kordas, Ryan J. Lynch, Brooke Nelson, Julie Tatlock (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.