2. How did the Second World War in the Asia–Pacific develop?
The growth of Japanese nationalism and militarism after 1931 and the consequent expansion of Japan into East Asia led to war with China and conflict with the West. This was to culminate in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 - an event that drew the Sino-Japanese war and the European war into a global war.
a. How did US–Japanese relationships deteriorate?
The growth of nationalism in Japan after 1930s and the increasing influence of the military led to Japanese forces invading Manchuria in 1931. The war which then developed between China and Japan, took...
b. How successful was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?
In December 1941, Japan launched a massive air attack on the US base in Hawaii.
c. Why was Japan so successful before 1942?
Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was carried out alongside attacks throughout Asia. These were very successful up to 1942 and saw Britain being humiliated with the loss of key territories Malaya and Singapore.
d. Why was the Battle of Midway a turning point?
As you have read, by mid 1942, the Japanese had successfully captured the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines and Burma.