Question

Which of the following was a primary motivation for Japan to seek new territories throughout Asia?

Answer 1

If it has anything to do with resources, that'd be one of the biggest reasons.

Answer 2

What are the choices...?

Answer 3

@dee0722

Answer 4

They (Japan) wanted to take over territories in Asia and to be like the Western countries who colonized half of Asia countries before. During the 1930s, since Japan had few natural resources and they were largely depended on imports, they went into other countries to take their resources. This action later would stab led Imperial Japan into back as it lead to a ruinous war to their country.

So Japan was trying to seize control of ALL trade in Asia in hope of boasting their economy. The US had a huge market and financial interests in Asia. In the 19th century the US did not have the power to impose itself on Asian markets the way the British, French, Russian, and Japanese Empires did. Our policy was called the "open door policy" in which we encouraged everyone to give all other powers a chance to trade (particularly in China and Japan). Japan's Imperial policy was in danger of driving out all other traders expect Japanese companies.

By the early 20th century (especially after WW I) the US became militarily powerful enough to impose its long-term of policy of the "open door" on Japan with the threat of military action. In the 30s we tried to modify Japanese behavior by embargoing raw materials they needed to maintain their new heavy industries. In the end they tried to by-pass trading with us for these raw materials by seizing supplies (especially of oil) in Southeast Asia and going to war with the US in the hope of defeating us.