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The Black Ships open Japan
U.S. warships entered The Bay at Edo, which were called "Black Ships." They threatened and forced Japan to sign a treaty. -
Japan: a Strong and Independent Country
Japan's slogan "rich country, strong military" was achieved in 45 years under Emperor's Mutsuhito's reign. It was the only way to be protected and be an independent country. -
America Becomes a Pacific Power
U.S. won the war over Spain. The U.S. also announced the "Open Door Policy" where China could keep their independence and also trade with America. Japan didn't like this, so they seized Korea, but ended up losing their territory. In 1898, took over Hawaii. -
The Great Depression
There was a stock market crash that hit America and Japan Thus, making America raise tariffs. Japan was aggressive and started a campaign called " the eight corners of the world under one roof." -
China in Flames
Japan and China were at war, Japan took over Nanjing and killed over 30,000 Chinese. Americans didn't want to be involved with foreign conflicts. World War ll has began. The U.S. built ships and planes, making Japan think this as a threat, as it'd give the U.S. an advantage on the war. -
The Tripartite Act
Japan joined an alliances with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. All export to Japan from the U.S. and Great Britain was forbidden. Japan had to act quickly and wanted to destroy the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet. -
War Warning
After U.S. has decoded documents, it was obvious that Japan is planning surprise attacks across the Pacific. Stationed on a remote island off of Japan, planes would fly across the Pacific. -
The Day of Infamy
On the morning of December 7th, one hundred eighty-five planes set out to attack Pearl Harbor. Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, without warning to the U.S. Eight-teen ships were sunk, 300 army and navy planes destroyed, and over 2,400 American lives lost. U.S. declares war on Japan.