IMPERIAL JAPAN'S PATH TO WORLD WAR II ©

Text and Web-site by James Bowen, Convener, Pacific War Historical Society. Web-site established May 2002 and last updated 14 May 2010.

To understand how Japan came to wage war on the United States and Australia in 1941, it is necessary first to trace the path taken by Japan to World War II, and the manner in which it became a partner of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy in a partnership for world domination by military aggression.

An examination of Japan's history prior to World War II reveals a disturbing picture of ingrained militarism, authoritarian rule, and a citizenry conditioned to obedience to authority.

Japanese troops believed that the Samurai spirit made them
invincible. Here they scream their battle cry "banzai".

INDEX:

Japan's territorial expansion in East Asia 1875-1930

Japan's military aggression in East Asia, 1931-1937

Japan prepares for war with Great Britain and the United States, 1938-1941

© Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all material on this web-site is copyright to James Bowen, and all rights are reserved. The copyright in paintings remains with the artists who gave permission for their display on this web-site. The copyright in eyewitness stories remains with the veterans who provided those stories to the Pacific War Web-site (or their families). Subject to the foregoing, the author of this web-site will permit use of not more than 300 words of his text provided that the source is acknowledged. Any institution or person wishing to use more than 300 words of the author's text for any purpose must contact the author at the address below. Unless otherwise indicated, all maps have been produced by the author and their source from this web-site must be acknowledged.
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