Question

With reference to the World Economic Crisis (1929), give any four reasons to explain why Japan adopted an aggressive and militant foreign policy before the Second World War.

Answer 1

Japan was greatly impacted by the 1929 global economic crisis, which helped the country adopt a more assertive and aggressive foreign policy before the Second World War for a number of reasons:

1. Economic hardship: The global economic downturn had a significant negative impact on Japan's economy, especially its export-oriented sectors. Because of this economic pressure to be self-sufficient, Japan sought to gain control over additional resources and markets.
2. Search for raw materials: Japan lacked natural resources that were vital to its industrialization and military, like rubber and oil. The scarcity of these crucial resources served as Japan's driving force for territorial expansion in Asia.
3. Population Pressure: Japan attempted to reduce the pressure on its population by giving its people more room to live. This served as the impetus for the invasion of nearby lands to make room for Japanese settlers.
4. Military Influence: The military's strength and influence inside Japan increased as a result of the economic crisis. The military promoted an expansionist and conquest-focused foreign policy in an effort to revive national pride and maintain Japan's position as the leading nation in Asia.