Unit Outline
This first case study examines Japanese expansionism from 1931 to 1941. It analyses the causes, key events, and responses to Japan's territorial expansion and questions to what extent this influenced the move towards global war. Each series of lessons will examine the key events as well as providing an opportunity for students to engage with the source-based questions of the Paper 1 exam.
1. What initiated the drive to imperialism in Japan?These first lessons examine both the internal and external causes of growing Japanese nationalism and militarism, triggered by the Meiji Restoration.
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2. How did foreign policy develop in the 1920s?Next we explore the impact of domestic events on foreign policy during the Taisho and early Showa eras, whilst examining the opportunities of China's instability.
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3. The Invasion of Manchuria - Causes & ResponsesHere we examine the reasons for Japan's invasion, the key features of the invasion, and end with a study of the international and domestic responses to the invasion.
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4. The Sino-Japanese War - Causes & ResponsesThe causes and key features of the Second Sino-Japanese War are examined in this section. Its impact on international relations will also be discussed & debated.
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5. The Road to the Pacific WarThe link between events in Europe and Japanese foreign policy is explored here, along with growing tensions amongst world powers including the USSR, USA, and Japan. It finishes with an examination of who or what was to blame for the Pacific War.
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