Timeline of Japan as War Power

1904-1905	Japan defeats Russia in the Russo-Japanese War. This was the first time in recorded history that an Oriental country overpowers a Caucasian country.
1906-1930	Series of Industrial Modernization.
1931-1937	Japan, a small but advanced country, invades and conquers China, a large but backward nation. Military rule is imposed on parts of China.
1940	Japan unites with Axis Power, the so-called "bad guys" (German and Italy) of WW II.
1941	7 Dec: Attack on Pearl Harbor
1941	8 Dec: Japan enters Malaya
1942	January: Successful occupation of Bomeo.
1942	6 May: Philippines surrenders.
1942	5 Feb: Conquered Singapore and Malaysia.
1943	Japan controls gains control of most of Southeast Asia.
1945	Japan surrenders, this time fatally crippled by twin "queens"--two atom bombs--obliterating Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The chess match of generations has ended. "Checkmate."