History
Why did Japan adopt an aggressive foreign expansion policy in the 1930s?
Economic Problems
1.Need for raw materials for the industrial program
-Japan’s economy declined steadily after WW1 as the European economy recovered in the early 1920s.
-This resulted in the European markets dominating in the markets in Europe and Asia.
-Thus Japan had to find new market for their goods.
-Adopting an aggressive foreign policy will help them solve their problems.
2. Effects Great Depression.
-The GD further aggravated the reasons why Japan went on an aggressive foreign policy.
-Japan’s exports dropped by two-thirds.
-Drop in demand for silk affected livelihood for farmers.
-This resulted in widespread unemployment.
-Japanese industries depended heavily on import of iron, tin, cotton, rubber and oil.
-Problems worsen when USA imposed tariffs on imported goods.
-This was done in an attempt to protect USA’s industries.
-This affected Japan’s textile industries.
-Hence Japan needed to look for new markets.
-This led to Japan realize their future lays in them building a large empire in East Asia.
-Hence Japan decided to embark on an aggressive foreign policy.
Social Problems
1.Lack of living space due to economic problem.
-Japan was mountainous and unsuitable for settlement.
-This was worsen when Japan had a rapid growth in population.
-The population increased from 45million in 1900 to 65milliong in 1930.
-Problems worsen when their food was scarce which put more pressure on agriculture sector.
-Moreover, in the early 1900s, many Japanese migrated to America.
-However, in 1934, Japan placed restrictions on immigration.
-Hence many Japanese were unable to migrate to the USA.
-More land/new territories were needed.
Political Factor
-There was rise of nationalism and militarism in Japan.
-Support for the civilian...