world-map.png

World Map

Case study 1: Japanese Expansion In East Asia 1931-41 (The Global War)

chart-increasing.png

Chart Increasing

Case Study 2: German & Italian Expansion 1933-40 (The Global War)

handshake.png

Handshake

Part 1 - Rivalry, Mistrust & Accord (The Cold War)

military-medal.png

Medal

Part 2 - Leaders & Nations (The Cold War)

radioactive.png

Radioactive

Part 3 - Cold War Crises (The Cold War)

The Sino-Japanese War began in 1937, when Japan invaded China. Instead of a quick and decisive victory for Japan, the war dragged on. This caused concern in Tokyo, as there were worries about how far Japan could extend its occupation of China before provoking responses from Britain and the United States.

<ul>
	<li>The Japanese government wasn&#39;t so much making policy as it was reacting to events.</li>
	<li>The military continued to grow in power and influence.</li>
	<li>Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro tried to rally public support for the war effort in China.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>With the National Mobilization Act of 1938, Japan entered a period of total war.</li>
	<li>Labour unions were dissolved.</li>
	<li>The government took total control over the economy and resource distribution.</li>
	<li>Workers were urged to work hard for the war effort.</li>
	<li>School children were given textbooks that instilled nationalism.</li>
	<li>Censorship of the media was enforced to ensure positive war news.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Prime Minister Konoe announced Japan&rsquo;s war aims.</li>
	<li>He stated Japan&#39;s intention to fight against Western imperialism and its principle Chinese agent, Chiang Kai-shek.</li>
	<li>Japan aimed to establish a &quot;New Order in East Asia led by Japan.&quot;</li>
</ul>

Total war is when a country mobilizes all of its resources for a war effort. An example from history is World War II when many countries, including the US and Britain, had to transform their economies and societies for war. Industries produced military goods, civilians were rationed, and people were encouraged to support the war effort. Japan&#39;s National Mobilization Act in 1938 did the same thing, turning Japan into a total war economy.

Did you know that during total war, even fashion changes? In the US during World War II, there were restrictions on how much fabric could be used in clothing, leading to simpler and more functional fashion trends. In Japan, traditional clothing like kimonos were replaced with more practical western-style clothes.

<ul>
	<li>How might the shift to a total war economy affect a country&#39;s society and culture?</li>
	<li>Can you think of other examples where a country has used media censorship during war?</li>
	<li>How do you think Japan&#39;s war aims were viewed by other countries in East Asia at the time?</li>
</ul>

Notes adapted from &quot;The Cambridge History of Japan, Volume 6: The Twentieth Century&quot;

Case study 1: Japanese Expansion In East Asia 1931-41 (The Global War)

Sino-Japanese War's Profound Impact

Table of content

Background

Japan's reaction to the war

Japan's total war period (1938 onwards)

Japan's war aims

Unlock the Full Content!

Case study 1: Japanese Expansion In East Asia 1931-41 (The Global War)

Sino-Japanese War's Profound Impact

Table of content

Background

Japan's reaction to the war

Japan's total war period (1938 onwards)

Japan's war aims

Unlock the Full Content!