JAPANESE EXPANSION

REASONS / CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO JAPANESE EXPANSION

>> Economic Problems

Overpopulation, shortage of lands, unemployment and the world slump of 1929 all caused great hardship and distress.  To worsen the situation, most Western Countries began to impose high tariffs on Japan in order to protect their own markets.  Therefore Japan's overseas exports decreased drastically.

To alleviate unemployment and overpopulation at home, as well as to secure new markets for exports and new sources of raw materials, the militant leaders believed that only force was the answer.  Hence in 1931, the Japanese had controlled most of China's coastline and 95% of her modern industry.   Japanese aggression against China aroused Western protest and led to Western economic boycotts on Japan.

(Source: lecture notes)