Scribd
Upload
1 views

text 4

The document outlines the buildup to war in Asia from 1931 to 1941, highlighting Japan's aggressive expansion, including the invasion of Manchuria and the escalation of conflict with China. It details the rising tensions between the United States and Japan, culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to U.S. involvement in World War II. Key terms, people, and events related to this period are also summarized, including the Manhattan Project and significant battles in the Pacific Theater.

Uploaded by

Julia Schimpff
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1 views

text 4

The document outlines the buildup to war in Asia from 1931 to 1941, highlighting Japan's aggressive expansion, including the invasion of Manchuria and the escalation of conflict with China. It details the rising tensions between the United States and Japan, culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to U.S. involvement in World War II. Key terms, people, and events related to this period are also summarized, including the Manhattan Project and significant battles in the Pacific Theater.

Uploaded by

Julia Schimpff
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

The Buildup to War in Asia: 1931-1941

Japanese Aggression in East Asia:


• Japan's desire for expansion led to the invasion of Manchuria in 1931,
justified by a staged incident on a Japanese-owned railway.
• The establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo exemplified Japan's
imperial ambitions and disregard for international norms.
• The League of Nations' failure to respond effectively to Japan's
aggression emboldened other Axis powers, including Germany and Italy.
• The Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937 escalated into a full-scale
invasion of China, leading to widespread atrocities, including the Nanking
Massacre.
The United States and Japan's Rising Tensions:
• Japan's expansionist policies led to increasing tensions with the
United States, particularly after the U.S. imposed economic sanctions in response
to Japanese aggression in China.
• The U.S. sought to contain Japanese expansion by supporting China and
cutting off vital resources, such as oil and steel.
• Japan's alliance with Germany and Italy in 1940 further isolated the
U.S. and heightened fears of a coordinated Axis threat in the Pacific.
• The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a direct response
to U.S. sanctions and marked the entry of the United States into World War II.
Key Terms/Concepts
• Pearl Harbor: A surprise military attack by the Japanese on December 7,
1941, leading to the United States' entry into World War II.
• Island Hopping: A military strategy employed by the Allies in the
Pacific Theater to capture specific islands and use them as bases for further
attacks.
• Kamikaze: Japanese suicide pilots who flew missions to crash into enemy
ships, causing maximum damage.
• Manhattan Project: A secret U.S. project during World War II aimed at
developing atomic bombs.
• V-J Day: Victory over Japan Day, marking the day Japan surrendered,
effectively ending World War II.
Key People
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: U.S. President during most of World War II,
known for leading the country through the Great Depression and the war.Harry S.
Truman:
• Roosevelt's Vice President who succeeded him and made the decision to
drop atomic bombs on Japan.
• Douglas MacArthur: U.S. General who played a prominent role in the
Pacific Theater, known for his leadership in the Philippines and the strategy of
island hopping.
Key Events
• Battle of Midway (June 4-6, 1942): A pivotal naval battle that turned
the tide in favor of the Allies in the Pacific.
• Dropping of Atomic Bombs (Aug. 6 & 9, 1945): The U.S. dropped atomic
bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leading to Japan's surrender.
Key Dates

You might also like