An Artist by the name of KyoKatsu captured the Russo-Japanese war in this work of art. It was done in 1904
First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) - The Japanese had later supported the Korean Reformists of whom were against the Chinese because they wanted to take control of the tributary that had once connected China and Korea peacefully. This action sparked a rivalry between Japan and China, and a parting in the eyes of the Koreans between modernizing reformists and inward-looking conservatives. The Japanese ended up capturing a part of Manchuria or Liaoning at the 'ending' of this war and also gained Korea as a piece of property. It ended with a treaty known as 'The Treaty of Shimonoseki' between the Chinese and Japanese emperors.
This political cartoon showed the Japanese reigning over the Chinese in the first Sino-Japanese war of 1894 to 1895. The Cartoon says 'Jap the Giant-killer' relating it back to the war.
Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) - the Japanese had undergone rapid westernization at the end of the 19th century and developed a strong commercial position in China. They lacked vital natural resources, iron and coal in particular, but had found these items in abundance in China. They viewed the continuing presence of Russia as a threat to their access to those valuable Chinese resources. The Portsmouth Treaty settled this war.
Manchurian Incident (1931) The Japanese population was growing, and due to their minimal land space, they started forming ideas of wanting to gain all of Manchuria for themselves, and eventually invaded it from what they currently had. They captured Manchuria after giving it up due to the Portsmouth Treaty,and used it as a puppet state, therefore controlling some of China, with their own men. This also aided in other attacks and an even greater desire for an expansion over East Asia.
After the Great Depression Japan was hit hard with a quickly crumbling economy. They looked to their army that was already in Manchuria, and investing in that government. They desired the land of Manchuria so that they could exploit its industries for Japan to save their economy. Other Countries aside from China agreed that the army should withdraw, and when the Japanese Government agreed The army did a full-scale assault on Manchuria. They conquered it also.
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Second Sino-Japanese War or Nanjing (Nanking) Massacre (1937-1938) - During the nineteen-twenties, Nanking only had a population of 250,000. However, during the nineteen-thirties, the city was highly populated with over one million residents. This increase was a result of the Japanese occupation and countless refugees fleeing to the city from Manchuria and other Chinese areas to the east of Nanking. They were safe in the city, until Japanese forces advanced towards Nanking from Shanghai on November 11, 1937. Before the Japanese army attacked, they made many bombings over Nanking by the use of their planes due to the westernization of the country. Most of these bombings were focused on the wealthier and more populated areas of the city. On September 25, 1937, the most devastating bombing occurred. There were over six hundred civilian casualties.
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Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941) - The Japanese became threatened, that the United States would threaten their plan of expansion due to their naval ships near the Beijing area. They were also enraged at the actions of President Roosevelt in cutting off oil supplies to Japan from the US. It was a sneak attack that was carefully thought out in order to cut off their battle ships.
