us_ch8_webquest-axis-japan

=**You chose Japan**= The Empire of Japan relied on imports and when depression hit the world and nations put high tariffs on imports (like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff), which basically put a stop to world trade. Japan also saw internal changes to its government control as military leaders were able to get control of the government. These leaders felt that western powers were trying to hold them down since Japan had to cut its navy more than the U.S. or Britain in the Washington Conference and the U.S. supporting China in terms of open trade. Furthermore, Japan looked to expand its power into Manchuria (part of China) for the raw materials that were in that region.

The map below shows the **Manchurian Incident**. Click on the picture to see what happened.

Japan was an empire and therefore led by the emperor, who was considered divine. Do you know who the emperor was? Click on the picture below to find out.

So, what was the response by the United States? Was anyone concerned about Japanese expansion especially since the U.S. had territories in the Pacific? Click here to find out about the U.S. position