Which Of The Following Led To Increased Tension Between The United States And Japan In 1937?A. The Nanjing MassacreB. Roosevelt's Four Freedoms SpeechC. Japan's Oil ExportsD. The Lend-Lease Act

Mar 13, 2025 by ADMIN 194 views

Escalating Tensions: Understanding the Events that Led to Increased Strain between the United States and Japan in 1937

The year 1937 marked a significant turning point in the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the United States and Japan. As the world teetered on the brink of another devastating global conflict, the two nations found themselves increasingly at odds over issues of trade, security, and ideology. In this article, we will examine the key events that contributed to the heightened tensions between the United States and Japan in 1937, with a focus on the correct answer to the question posed above.

The Nanjing Massacre: A Turning Point in Sino-Japanese Relations

One of the most significant events that contributed to the increased tension between the United States and Japan in 1937 was the Nanjing Massacre. Also known as the Rape of Nanking, this brutal and devastating atrocity occurred in December 1937, when Japanese forces captured the city of Nanjing, the capital of China. Over the course of several weeks, Japanese soldiers committed widespread atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and looting. The scale of the violence was staggering, with estimates suggesting that between 150,000 to 300,000 civilians and prisoners of war were killed.

The Nanjing Massacre sent shockwaves around the world, and the United States was no exception. The atrocity was widely condemned by the American public and media, and it marked a significant turning point in the country's relations with Japan. The U.S. government, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was deeply disturbed by the events in Nanjing, and it began to take a more critical stance towards Japan's aggressive expansion in Asia.

The Impact of the Nanjing Massacre on U.S.-Japan Relations

The Nanjing Massacre had a profound impact on U.S.-Japan relations in 1937. The atrocity marked a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations, and it led to a re-evaluation of the U.S. government's policy towards Japan. Prior to the massacre, the United States had been attempting to maintain a policy of neutrality towards Japan's expansion in Asia, but the events in Nanjing made it clear that Japan's actions were becoming increasingly unacceptable.

In response to the atrocity, the U.S. government imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on oil exports. This move was a significant blow to Japan's economy, which was heavily dependent on imported oil. The sanctions also marked a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations, and they set the stage for further conflict in the years to come.

Other Events that Contributed to Increased Tensions

While the Nanjing Massacre was a significant turning point in U.S.-Japan relations in 1937, it was not the only event that contributed to the increased tension between the two nations. Other events, including Japan's invasion of China and the U.S. government's response to the crisis, also played a significant role in escalating tensions.

Japan's Invasion of China

In July 1937, Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China, which had been ongoing since 1931. The invasion was a significant escalation of Japan's aggressive expansion in Asia, and it marked a major turning point in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The U.S. government, which had been attempting to maintain a policy of neutrality towards Japan's expansion, was deeply disturbed by the invasion, and it began to take a more critical stance towards Japan's actions.

The U.S. Government's Response to the Crisis

In response to Japan's invasion of China, the U.S. government imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on oil exports. This move was a significant blow to Japan's economy, which was heavily dependent on imported oil. The sanctions also marked a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations, and they set the stage for further conflict in the years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nanjing Massacre was a significant turning point in U.S.-Japan relations in 1937. The atrocity marked a major escalation of tensions between the two nations, and it led to a re-evaluation of the U.S. government's policy towards Japan. Other events, including Japan's invasion of China and the U.S. government's response to the crisis, also played a significant role in escalating tensions. The correct answer to the question posed above is A. The Nanjing Massacre.

Key Takeaways

The Nanjing Massacre was a significant turning point in U.S.-Japan relations in 1937.
The atrocity marked a major escalation of tensions between the two nations.
Japan's invasion of China and the U.S. government's response to the crisis also contributed to the increased tension between the two nations.
The U.S. government imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on oil exports, in response to the crisis.

Recommendations for Further Reading

The Rape of Nanking: An Undeniable History in Photographs by Iris Chang
The Nanjing Massacre: A Historical Review by Wang Weiguo
The Second Sino-Japanese War: A Military History by Mark Peattie

Glossary

Nanjing Massacre: Also known as the Rape of Nanking, this was a brutal and devastating atrocity that occurred in December 1937, when Japanese forces captured the city of Nanjing, the capital of China.
Rape of Nanking: See Nanjing Massacre.
Second Sino-Japanese War: This was a military conflict that occurred between China and Japan from 1931 to 1945.
U.S.-Japan Relations: This refers to the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the United States and Japan.
Q&A: Understanding the Events that Led to Increased Tension between the United States and Japan in 1937

In our previous article, we explored the key events that contributed to the increased tension between the United States and Japan in 1937. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this period in history.

Q: What was the Nanjing Massacre, and why was it significant?

A: The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, was a brutal and devastating atrocity that occurred in December 1937, when Japanese forces captured the city of Nanjing, the capital of China. The atrocity was significant because it marked a major escalation of tensions between the United States and Japan, and it led to a re-evaluation of the U.S. government's policy towards Japan.

Q: What was the impact of the Nanjing Massacre on U.S.-Japan relations?

A: The Nanjing Massacre had a profound impact on U.S.-Japan relations in 1937. The atrocity marked a significant escalation of tensions between the two nations, and it led to a re-evaluation of the U.S. government's policy towards Japan. The U.S. government imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on oil exports, in response to the crisis.

Q: What was Japan's invasion of China, and why was it significant?

A: Japan's invasion of China was a significant event that occurred in July 1937, when Japan launched a full-scale invasion of China. The invasion was a major escalation of Japan's aggressive expansion in Asia, and it marked a turning point in the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Q: What was the U.S. government's response to Japan's invasion of China?

A: In response to Japan's invasion of China, the U.S. government imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on oil exports. This move was a significant blow to Japan's economy, which was heavily dependent on imported oil.

Q: What was the significance of the Lend-Lease Act in the context of U.S.-Japan relations?

A: The Lend-Lease Act was a significant piece of legislation that was passed by the U.S. Congress in March 1941. The act allowed the president to "sell, transfer, lend, or lease" military equipment and supplies to countries that were fighting against the Axis powers, including China. The act was significant because it marked a major shift in U.S. policy towards Japan, and it set the stage for further conflict in the years to come.

Q: What was the impact of the Four Freedoms speech on U.S.-Japan relations?

A: The Four Freedoms speech was a significant address that was delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1941. In the speech, Roosevelt outlined four fundamental freedoms that he believed were essential to human dignity and well-being: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The speech was significant because it marked a major shift in U.S. policy towards Japan, and it set the stage for further conflict in the years to come.

Q: What was the significance of Japan's oil exports in the context of U.S.-Japan relations?

A: Japan's oil exports were significant because they were a major source of revenue for the Japanese government. However, the U.S. government imposed an embargo on oil exports to Japan in response to the crisis, which was a significant blow to Japan's economy.

Q: What was the outcome of the increased tension between the United States and Japan in 1937?

A: The increased tension between the United States and Japan in 1937 ultimately led to the outbreak of war in December 1941, when Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Q: What can we learn from the events that led to increased tension between the United States and Japan in 1937?

A: We can learn several important lessons from the events that led to increased tension between the United States and Japan in 1937. First, we can see the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in preventing conflict. Second, we can see the dangers of aggressive expansion and the importance of respecting the sovereignty of other nations. Finally, we can see the importance of economic sanctions and other forms of pressure in preventing aggression and promoting peace.

Key Takeaways

The Nanjing Massacre was a significant turning point in U.S.-Japan relations in 1937.
Japan's invasion of China and the U.S. government's response to the crisis also contributed to the increased tension between the two nations.
The U.S. government imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including an embargo on oil exports, in response to the crisis.
The Lend-Lease Act and the Four Freedoms speech were significant events that marked a major shift in U.S. policy towards Japan.
Japan's oil exports were a major source of revenue for the Japanese government, but the U.S. government imposed an embargo on oil exports in response to the crisis.

Recommendations for Further Reading

The Rape of Nanking: An Undeniable History in Photographs by Iris Chang
The Nanjing Massacre: A Historical Review by Wang Weiguo
The Second Sino-Japanese War: A Military History by Mark Peattie
The Lend-Lease Act: A Study in U.S. Foreign Policy by Robert A. Divine
The Four Freedoms: A Study in U.S. Foreign Policy by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.

Glossary

Nanjing Massacre: Also known as the Rape of Nanking, this was a brutal and devastating atrocity that occurred in December 1937, when Japanese forces captured the city of Nanjing, the capital of China.
Rape of Nanking: See Nanjing Massacre.
Second Sino-Japanese War: This was a military conflict that occurred between China and Japan from 1931 to 1945.
U.S.-Japan Relations: This refers to the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the United States and Japan.
Lend-Lease Act: This was a significant piece of legislation that was passed by the U.S. Congress in March 1941, which allowed the president to "sell, transfer, lend, or lease" military equipment and supplies to countries that were fighting against the Axis powers.
Four Freedoms: These were four fundamental freedoms that were outlined by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his Four Freedoms speech in January 1941: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.