Japan would not surrender so American's surprise attacked Hiroshima with an atomic bomb. The bomb killed over 80,000 people and reached over 42 square miles of the city. American's bombed Nagasaki and killed over 40,000 people which made Japan finally surrender.
Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese, the attack destroyed 8 ships and more than 2,500 American citizens. The Japanese also attacked much of Southeast Asia. By attacking, Japan got all of its materials needed.
Japan joined the axis, the United States disagreed and cut off oil and other supplies that Japan's military used. War was being negotiated with the United States, but Japan was preparing for war. A surprise attack was planned to destroy the American fleet in the Pacific.
China's military expanded partially to protect Manchuria, while the Japanese fought for it as though it was theirs. China was important to Japan for its raw materials and market. Chinese armies later retreated in 1937.
The Great Depression made its way around the world. Japan relied on trade but because of the depression, countries raised tariffs and the value of Japan's exports lowered by 50%. Angry Japanese citizens fought against government decisions for Japan.
Japan fought in the Russo-Japanese was with a win from Japan. It was a major surprise that Asia over threw Europe. The end of the war treaty made Japan closer to Manchuria and Russia was forced to leave Korea.
Japan was an industrial nation by the 1900's and had a highly organized society. It was strong because of the hard work and sacrifices made for their country. The "unequal treaties" were changed with the western nations due to the new society.
In 1889, reformers wrote a constitution which put the emperor on top with much power. The constitution set up many ideas based off of European ideas. The government was to unite Japan and make it equal of western powers, not to bring democracy.
In 1868, rebels made the shogun less powerful under the 15-year-old emperor who moved to Tokyo. Japan was forced to become modern before they put the barbarians out of power. Hundreds of Japanese citizens were sent away to study western government, industry and military organization.
In 1853, American ships docked in Tokyo Bay, Japan. The American commander wanted the Japanese to open their ports to trade. Japan was unsure, some agreed, others did not and said that Japan would not become modern and their empire would collapse if there was no trade.
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