Summary of "IB History: The Move to Global War-International response to Japan"
The video explores the international response to Japanese aggression, focusing on the League of Nations’ failure to prevent Japan’s actions in Manchuria. The lack of enforcement powers within the League, coupled with various agreements lacking enforcement mechanisms, led to a lack of stern response to Japan’s expansion. Reasons for this included a reluctance to engage in wider conflicts, economic considerations, and racist sentiments. Internally, the US initially pursued isolationism but shifted towards involvement after continued Japanese aggression, eventually leading to the declaration of war on Japan post-Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. This shift was facilitated by the Stimson Doctrine and subsequent financial aid to China. The video also highlights the moral embargo and asset freeze imposed on Japan, which ultimately resulted in the US declaring war on Japan in December 1941.
Methodology
- League of Nations lacks enforcement powers due to the absence of consensus among member states.
- Fact-finding mission (Lyton Commission) sent to investigate Japan’s actions in Manchuria.
- US policy shifts from isolationism to involvement through the Stimson Doctrine and subsequent financial aid to China.
- Moral embargo and asset freeze imposed on Japan, leading to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
- Declaration of war by the US on Japan in December 1941.
Speakers
- Speaker 1: Discusses the League of Nations and international response.
- Speaker 2: Talks about US policy and response to Japanese aggression.
- Speaker 3: Discusses the shift in US public sentiment and the declaration of war.
