Causes of Japanese expansion
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Flip to reveal answersWhat was the Meiji Restoration (1868)?
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Question
What was the Meiji Restoration (1868)?
Answer
The reforms from 1868 that rapidly modernised and industrialised Japan and built a Western-style military.
Question
Define nationalism.
Answer
Strong pride in one's nation and the belief its interests come before those of other countries.
Question
Define militarism.
Answer
The belief a country should build strong armed forces and be ready to use them to get what it wants.
Question
What is autarky, and why did Japan want it?
Answer
Self-sufficiency in resources. Japan lacked oil, iron and coal, so it sought to seize resource-rich land such as Manchuria.
Question
What was the Manchurian (Mukden) Incident, 1931?
Answer
A railway explosion staged by Japan's Kwantung Army, used as an excuse to conquer Manchuria — the start of expansion.
Question
What was Manchukuo?
Answer
The puppet state Japan set up in Manchuria in 1932 after the invasion.
Question
How did the Great Depression push Japan towards expansion?
Answer
It destroyed exports and jobs and discredited civilian politicians, leading Japan to seek resources and markets by force.
Question
Why couldn't civilian governments stop the army?
Answer
Service ministers had to be serving officers (so the military could collapse cabinets), and ultranationalists assassinated politicians.
Question
Name the three main drivers of Japanese expansion.
Answer
Nationalism, militarism and economic pressure (N-M-E).
Question
What does the command term 'evaluate' require?
Answer
A judgement: weigh the factors and reach a supported conclusion — not just a list.
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Full study notes for Causes of Japanese expansion
Topic 3.1 hub
Japanese expansion in East Asia (1931–1941)
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