The pacific war

Why war?

The early 20th century

• 1904-1905 Japan defeats Russia in the Russo-Japanese War.
• Japan quickly develops into an industrial nation and becomes a major player on the world stage.
• This rapid development meant that Japan needed a lot of commodities like timber and iron.
• The population increased by a lot.

Why does it lead to war?

• Japan wants to create an ”Empire” like the one Hitler sought to build.
• Japan is in desperate need of commodities for its armed forces and its industry.
• Japan builds a strong army and Navy with a strong air force.

July 71937

In a surprise attack the Japanese attack China. The war in China would become long and bloody and would later be part of WW2.

• At the same time that the Imperial Army goes into China a bloody civil war is raging in that country, fought between the Government and the Communist forces under Mao Tse Tung.

Japan occupies Indochina

The British and the Americans ”put” an embargo on Japan which prevents them from importing important commodities like oil needed for its armed forces.

Pearl Harbor, why?

• Japan plans to occupy Burma, Malaya, Indonesia, the Philippines, Indochina and the Pacific Islands.
• The US Pacific Fleet moored at Pearl Harbor, Oahu is seen as a threat.
• If the embargo on importing oil wasn´t lifted the Japanese would have to act against the US.