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Japan defeats Russia in the Russo-Japanese war
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Washington Naval Conference
The Japanese navy would be limited to three-fifths the size of the US and British fleets.
Also a 4 power treaty was signed by Britain, USA, France and Japan, by which each country agreed to respect the others' rights in the Pacific and Far East -
All adult males were given the right to vote.
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The Kwantang takes control of Manchuria
September of 1931, the Kwantang Army took control of Manchuria and established the state of Manchukuo. This action was taken withour the government's permission. -
Japan becomes a military dictatoriship
Hirohito appoints a National Unity government under Admiral Makoto Saito. In effect, the armed forces assumed control of Japan and the country became a military dictatorship. -
Japan withdrews from the League of Nations
There was no response over Japan's occupation of Manchuria, therefore, some military leaders called for futher inroads into China. As this debate continued, Japan withdrew from the LON. -
Japan signs the Anti-Comintern Pact
Japan signs the Anti-Comintern Pact with Germany, subsequently joined by Italy in 1937. -
Incident at the Marco Polo Bridge
Japan invades China. -
Japanese training exercise incident
In 7 Juli 1937, a Japanese training exercise was misinterpreted by Chinese troops as a genuine military action, and the Chinese fired on the Japanese. China issued an apology, but Japan declared war on China. -
Germany invades the Soviet Union
This eliminated the threat of the Soviet Union over Japan. There now seemd to be nothing to prevent Japan taking more territory. Tojo was appointed. Japan's descent to military dictatorship was complete. -
Japan breaks off diplomatic relations with the USA
Roosevelt demanded to Japan to cease its military build-up in the Pacific. Tojo finally breaks diplomatic relations with the USA. -
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
By 1.30pm, the USA had lost 2402 men and almost 190 aircraft and 8 ship had been seriously damaged. -
End of Sino-Japanese war