Question

Why did Japan enter the Second World War?

Answer 1

1. Expansionist Ambitions: Japan wanted to expand its kingdom across Asia, which it called the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. It planned to do this by taking over resource-rich areas like China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. 
2. Need for Resources: It was hard for Japan to get things like oil, rubber, and iron. To protect these, it wanted to rule over places like Indochina, Malaya, and the Dutch East Indies. 
3. Conflict with Western Powers: Japan’s actions in China and Southeast Asia caused problems with the US, UK, and the Netherlands. These countries put economic measures in place, such as cutting off oil supplies. 
4. Surprise Attack on Pearl Harbour: Japan struck the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbour on 7th December, 1941, to stop the U.S. from being an enemy. This brought the U.S. into the war.