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A staged explosion near the South Manchurian Railway is used by Japan as pretext for the Japanese invasion of Manchuria.

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8 December 1931 - The Lytton Commission 

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8 December 1931 - The Lytton Commission 

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The League formed a commission headed by Britain's Lord Lytton. It included representatives from other League member states such as France, Italy, Germany, and the US.

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January 1932 - Tokyo announces the formation of the Republic of "Manchukuo"

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January 1932 - Tokyo announces the formation of the Republic of "Manchukuo"

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This state would be nominally independent but run by the Japanese in practice.

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2 October 1932 – Lytton Report released 

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2 October 1932 – Lytton Report released 

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The results from the fact-finding mission set up by the Lytton Commission are released. The League moves to condemn this action and ambassador Yosuke Matsuoka walks out.

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Description

On the night of September 18, 1931, anti-Japanese activists set off explosions on the Japanese-owned South Manchurian Railroad in Manchuria, northeastern China. The Japanese army used the incident as a pretext to invade Manchuria, and quickly occupied key Manchurian cities. China appealed to the world's powers for help. The Council of the League of Nations, supported by the United States, sought to negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict. In early 1932, the Council dispatched an inquiry commission to China under the leadership of the British diplomat, the Earl of Lytton. By the time the so-called Lytton Commission arrived in China in April 1932, the Japanese army had already established the Manchurian puppet state of Manchukuo. The Lytton Commission issued its report in September 1932. On the advice of the report, the League of Nations refused to recognize Manchukuo as a legitimate state and proposed measures to reestablish the status quo. China accepted the League of Nations recommendations for restoring peace in the area; Japan did not and withdrew from the League in 1935. The report discusses recent events, issues between Japan and China, the situation in Shanghai and Manchukuo, economic interests, and the conditions for a settlement, and it offers recommendations to the Council. A number of maps illustrate the political organization of Manchuria, its railroads, the military situation at various dates from September 1931 to August 1932, and the routes taken in China by the Lytton Commission. The report is in the archives of the League, which were transferred to the United Nations in 1946 and are housed at the UN office in Geneva. They were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World register in 2010.

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Situation in Manchuria: Report of the Lytton Commission of Inquiry

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On the night of September 18, 1931, anti-Japanese activists set off explosions on the Japanese-owned South Manchurian Railroad in Manchuria, northeastern China. The Japanese army used the incident as a pretext to invade Manchuria, and quickly occupied key Manchurian cities. China appealed to the world's powers for help.

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9 December 1932- the Japanese army invades the province of Jehol

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9 December 1932- the Japanese army invades the province of Jehol

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27 March 1933 – Japan withdraws from the League

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27 March 1933 – Japan withdraws from the League

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Following widespread condemnation of Japanese actions in Manchuria, Japan withdraws itself from the League of Nations.

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A United Press news report from 1933 announcing Japan's withdrawal from the League

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A United Press news report from 1933 announcing Japan's withdrawal from the League

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GENEVA, Feb. 24, 1933 (UP) - The Japanese delegation, defying world opinion, withdrew from the League of Nations Assembly today after the assembly had adopted a report blaming Japan for events in Manchuria.

The stunned international conclave, representing almost every nation on earth, sat in silence while the delegation, led by the dapper Yosuke Matsuoka, clad in black, walked from the hall. The crowded galleries broke into mingled hisses and applause.

Japan's formal resignation from the league is expected to be filed later.

"We are not coming back," Matsuoka said simply as he left the hall.

The assembly's report, recommending that Japan withdraw her troops occupying Manchuria and restore the country to Chinese sovereignty, was adopted, 42 to 1, Japan voting against it. Paul Hymans, presiding, announced it was unanimous, since the vote of interested parties does not count.

The session which made history, signifying the final break between the league and one of the world's major powers, was fairly brief and simple.

As the roll was called down the alphabetical list of nations, delegate after delegate voted for the resolution.

When China was called, there was a slight stir of expectancy and W. W. Yen, Chinese delegate, firmly answered:

"Yes."

Japan was called a few moments later. Matsuoka's decisive "no' could be clearly heard in all parts of the hall.

Matsuoka later announced the delegation's withdrawal from the league, the first step in breaking relations with Geneva. Two years is required to make withdrawal final. Japan will be held responsible for fulfillment of her international obligations during that time.

The Japanese delegation stalked from the hall while a translator interpreted Matsuoka's speech.

Matsuoka, usually typifying the placid oriental diplomat, was nervous before he began his speech, and abandoned the text before he finished. He shouted from the rostrum:

"Japan will oppose any attempt at international control of Manchuria. It does not mean that we defy you, because Manchuria belongs to us by right.

"Read your history. We recovered Manchuria from Russia. We made it what it is today."

He referred to Russia, as well as China, as a cause for "deep and anxious concern" for Japan.

"We look into the gloom of the future and can see no certain gleam of light before us," Matsuoka declared.

He reiterated that Manchuria was a matter of life and death for Japan, and than no concession or compromise was possible, saying: "Japan has been and will always be the mainstay of peace, order and progress in the Far East."

In objecting to proposed international control of Manchuria, he asked, "Would the American people agree to such control of the Panama Canal Zone; would the British permit it over Egypt?

"The Japanese people will oppose any such attempt in Manchuria. I beg of this body to realize the facts and see a vision of the future. I earnestly beg of you to deal with us on our terms, to give us your confidence.

"To deny us this appeal will be a mistake. I ask you not to adopt this report," Matsuoka said earnestly.

After the assembly vote had been taken, Matsuoka announced "the Japanese government is obliged to feel that they have now reached the limit of their endeavors to co-operate with the league regarding Sino-Japanese differences.

"It is a source of profound regret and disappointment to the Japanese government that the draft report has now been adopted by this assembly. Japan has been a member of the league since its inception. Our delegates in past conferences participated in the drafting of the league covenant.

"We have been proud to be members, associated with the leading nations of the world in one of the grandest purposes in which humanity could unite. It has always been our sincere wish and pleasure to co-operate with fellow members of the league, attaining the great aims held in common and long cherished by humanity.

"I deeply deplore the situation we are now confronting, for I doubt if the same aims-the desire to see lasting peace established-is animating us all in our deliberations and actions," Matsuoka continued.

"It is a matter of common knowledge that Japan's policy is fundamentally inspired by the genuine desire to guarantee peace in the Far East and to contribute to the maintenance of peace throughout the world.

"Japan, however, finds it impossible to accept the report adopted by the assembly, and she has taken pains to point out that the recommendations in the report cannot be considered such as would secure peace in that part of the world.

"The Japanese government now find themselves compelled to conclude that Japan and other members of the league entertain different views on the manner to achieve peace in the Far East, and the Japanese government feel they have now reached the limit of their endeavors to co-operate with the league with regard to Sino-Japanese differences.

"The Japanese government will, however, make their utmost efforts for the establishment of peace in the Far East and the maintenance and strengthening of cordial relations with other powers.

"I need hardly add that the Japanese government will persist in their desire to contribute to human welfare, and will continue their policy of co-operating in all sincerity in the work dedicated to world peace," Matsuoka concluded.

Matsuoka looked very grim and determined when he left the assembly hall after his speech.

"That means the withdrawal of our delegation from the league," he told the United Press. "We can no longer co-operate on this question."

Matsuoka, his chief assistants, and the Japanese attaches immediately left the league building.

Letters were addressed by the league secretariat to the United States and Soviet governments, asking them to decide "as soon as possible" whether they would participate in an international consultative committee immediately after the league assembly adopted the Manchurian report today.

The committee will comprise the league's Committee of 19, and Holland and Canada, and will be asked to consider the situation created by Japan's rejection of the Manchurian report and continued military operations in Manchuria.

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Japan stuns world, withdraws from league

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GENEVA, Feb. 24, 1933 (UP) - The Japanese delegation, defying world opinion, withdrew from the League of Nations Assembly today after the assembly had adopted a report blaming Japan for events in Manchuria. The stunned international conclave, representing almost every nation on earth, sat in silence while the delegation, led by the dapper Yosuke Matsuoka, clad in black, walked from the hall.

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The Tanggu Truce signed, invoking a ceasefire between the Japanese and Chinese Nationalists recognizing the status quo.

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December 19 1934 - the Japanese government announces that it would no longer consider itself bound by the terms of the Washington and London naval treaties

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December 19 1934 - the Japanese government announces that it would no longer consider itself bound by the terms of the Washington and London naval treaties

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Although Western powers were not satisfied, no formal response was given as Japan as a sovereign state had the right to withdraw.

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10 June 1935 - Chiang Kai-Shek agreed to a treaty with Japan, the He-Umezu Agreement 

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10 June 1935 - Chiang Kai-Shek agreed to a treaty with Japan, the He-Umezu Agreement 

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Gave de facto to recognition to Japanese influence in northeast China and withdrew forces from the region.

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The nihongo|He-Umezu Agreement|梅津・何応欽協定|Umezu-Ka Okin Kyotei was a secret agreement between the Empire of Japan and the Republic of China concluded on 10 June 1935 immediately prior to the outbreak of general hostilities in the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Background and history
Following the invasion of Manchuria and the Battle of Rehe, the Imperial Japanese Army continued to encroach on Chinese territory. The Tanggu Truce established a demilitarized zone between Japanese-occupied territories and northern China in 1933, but conflict continued unabated via proxy armies in Inner Mongolia. However, with the appointment of Koki Hirota as Foreign Minister of Japan, the Japanese civilian government attempted to improve Sino-Japanese relations, and on 22 January 1935, Japan announced a policy of non-aggression against China. In response, Wang Jingwei of the Chinese government announced a suspension of the Chinese boycott of Japanese goods, and the two countries agreed to upgrade relations to the ambassadorial level. However, these improved relations between Japan and China were counter to the aims of the Japanese Kwantung Army for further territorial expansion.

On 29 May 1935 General Takashi Sakai, Chief of Staff of the Japanese China Garrison Army based in Tientsin, acting on the pretext that two pro-Japanese heads of a local news service had been assassinated, raised a formal protest to Kuomintang General He Yingqin, Acting Chairman of the Peiping National Military Council. The Japanese Army demanded that:

* [1] That Hopei Provincial Chairman General Yu Xuezhong be dismissed from his posts
* [2] That the Kuomintang cease all political activities in Hopei, including the cities of Tientsin and Peiping

On 30 May, Japanese armored forces paraded in front of the Chinese government offices in a show of force, and on 4 June, Sakai repeated his demands and threatened drastic action if the demands were not agreed to in full. However, on 5 June, additional demands were added:

* [3] That Tientsin Mayor Zhang Tingpo and Chief of Police Li Chun-hsiang be replaced and that Commander of the 3rd Military Police Regiment Chiang Hsiao-hsien, and Director of the Political Training Department Tseng Kuang-ching also be relieved.
* [4] That the all Kuomingtang military forces withdraw from Hopei.
* [5] That all anti-Japanese organizations, especially the Blue Shirts Society be disbanded throughout China.
* [5] That the assassins of the heads of the pro-Japanese news services be apprehended and dealt with, and that compensation be paid to the families of the victims.

On 7 May, forward units of the Kwantung Army moved to the front lines at the Great Wall. A verbal ultimatum was issued on 9 May, with a deadline for compliance set of 12 June.

Not prepared at the time to go to war with Japan when his forces were still tied down in a campaign to exterminate the Chinese Communist Party, Chiang Kai-shek agreed to comply. The Agreement was signed by General Yoshijiro Umezu, Commander in chief of the Kwantung Army for Japan and He Yingqin for China. [ Hsu Long-hsuen. History of The Sino-Japanese War. pp.161-162]
Consequences
The terms of the Agreement gave Japan virtual control over the province of Hebei, under the aegis of the "North China Autonomous Zone". [ Yue Dong, Republican Beijing. pp.79 ] Although the Agreement was signed in secret, its details were soon leaked to the press, causing an upsurge in indignation and anti-Japanese sentiment in China. The truce lasted until 7 July 1937, with the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
References
* Hsu Long-hsuen and Chang Ming-kai, History of The Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945) 2nd Ed. ,1971. Translated by Wen Ha-hsiung , Chung Wu Publishing; 33, 140th Lane, Tung-hwa Street, Taipei, Taiwan Republic of China.
* cite book
last = Yue Dong
first = Madeleine
year = 2003
title = Republican Beijing: The City and Its Histories
publisher = University of Calfornia Press
location =
id = ISBN 0520230507
* [http://www.republicanchina.org/Ho-Umezu-Agreement.pdf] The He-Umezu Agreement on www.republicanchina.org
ee also
* Second Sino-Japanese War

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The nihongo|He-Umezu Agreement|梅津・何応欽協定|Umezu-Ka Okin Kyotei was a secret agreement between the Empire of Japan and the Republic of China concluded on 10 June 1935 immediately prior to the outbreak of general hostilities in the Second Sino-Japanese War. Background and history Following the invasion of Manchuria and the Battle of Rehe, the Imperial Japanese Army continued to encroach on Chinese territory.

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November 1935 - Tokyo announces the formation of the East Hopei Autonomous Council

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November 1935 - Tokyo announces the formation of the East Hopei Autonomous Council

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governs all of the Japanese occupied territory in China outside of Manchukuo

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25 November 1936 – Anti-Comintern Pact signed

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25 November 1936 – Anti-Comintern Pact signed

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With intentions of isolating the USA, the Anti-Comintern Pact is signed between Germany, Italy, and Japan promises mutual defense against and containment of the USSR and communism.

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June 1937 – Kanchazu Island Incident between Japan and Soviet Union

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June 1937 – Kanchazu Island Incident between Japan and Soviet Union

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Soviet gunboats occupy an island on the Soviet-Manchukuo border and are decisively defeated by Japanese troops. 37 Soviets are killed with no Japanese casualties.

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7 July 1937 - Marco Polo Bridge Incident and start of Second Sino-Japanese War 

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7 July 1937 - Marco Polo Bridge Incident and start of Second Sino-Japanese War 

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In January 1937, Chinese Nationalists and Communists signed an agreement to form a united front against Japanese aggression. Japan feared their position in China and started planning military action.
On July 7, 1937, Japanese troops cross the Marco Polo Bridge, occupying Shanghai and eventually China's key port cities.
USA responded by banning the transport of weapens to China and Japan on ships flying the USA flag.

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Japanese forces on the Yangtze river attacked a group of U.S. vessels, including navy gunboat U.S.S. Panay. In response, USA demanded a full apology and full restitution for the losses from Japan.

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(ft. a good contextual analysis of US-Japanese relations up to Pearl Harbor, skip to 2:00)

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Pearl Harbor The Best Bad Option (Pacific Series Pt 1)

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spring 1938 – Japan captures parts of northern and central China, taking Suchow and areas along the Yellow River

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spring 1938 – Japan captures parts of northern and central China, taking Suchow and areas along the Yellow River

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In response, the US condemns Japanese actions and discourages the sale/export of aviation materials to Japan after hearing of Japanese bombing raids on civilian populations.

Japan continues to win in fixed battles, but is beginning to get bogged down by a guerrilla war and being overstretched.

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29 July-11 August 1938 – The Battle of Lake Khasan

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29 July-11 August 1938 – The Battle of Lake Khasan

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Japanese troops invade an area claimed for Japan by the Convention of Peking. A battle erupts between them and counter-attacking Soviet forces. The Japanese withdraw.

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The city of Canton, a key entry point for US and Western trade, is captured in an amphibious Japanese assault.

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Roosevelt extends a loan of $25 million to Chiang Kai-shek to aid them in the fight against Japan.

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July 1939 – Britain recognizes Japanese expansion in China

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July 1939 – Britain recognizes Japanese expansion in China

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Japanese Foreign Minister Arita Khatira and British Ambassador in Tokyo Robert Craigie create an agreement that recognized Japanese gains in China.

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11 May-16 September 1939 – Battle of Khalkhin-Gol

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11 May-16 September 1939 – Battle of Khalkhin-Gol

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Soviet and Japanese forces clash in the area around the Mongolia-Manchurian border. After a fierce Japanese offensive, the Red Army launches a successful counteroffensive. The Japanese Sixth Army is defeated by Georgy Zhukov, later the head of the Red Army during the war against Germany. This incident is also known as the Nomonhan Incident.

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Battle of Khalkhin Gol 1939 - Soviet-Japanese War DOCUMENTARY

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Japan blockaded a British concession in Tientsin because of British non-compliance over a murder investigation. Britain wanted to avoid war and handed four suspects to Japan.

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15 September 1939 – Temporary ceasefire declared between Soviet Union and Japan

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15 September 1939 – Temporary ceasefire declared between Soviet Union and Japan

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A defeated Japan agrees to a ceasefire with the Soviet Union, which aims to direct its troops eastwards to take over Poland.

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August 1939 – Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed

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August 1939 – Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed

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16 July 1940 – British, facing a two-front war, close the Burma Road due to Japanese demands

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16 July 1940 – British, facing a two-front war, close the Burma Road due to Japanese demands

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Japan forces Britain to close a 4,000-mile stretch of road connecting Allied Burma and Chinese forces after Britain is left isolated by the fall of France. It is later reopened with US support in October.

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1 August 1940 – FM Matsuoka announces Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

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1 August 1940 – FM Matsuoka announces Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

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Japanese Foreign Minister announced the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere in a press interview.

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September 22 1940 – Japan invades Northern Indochina

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September 22 1940 – Japan invades Northern Indochina

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French Indochina became a tempting target of expansion as France and Netherlands were under German occupation and Great Britain and Italy were occupied in conflict with Germany. After reaching an agreement with the Vichy French authorities, a small contingent of Japanese forces occupy Northern Indochina.

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27 September 1940 – Tripartite Pact signed

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27 September 1940 – Tripartite Pact signed

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The Tripartite Pact between Germany, Italy, and Japan is signed in Berlin, allying these authoritarian/fascist powers as the future Axis Powers.

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July 1941 - Japan invades Southern Indochina

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July 1941 - Japan invades Southern Indochina

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After months of supplying strategic materials for Japan and losing territory, the French government agreed to Tokyo's demands for Japanese forces to occupy the entire Indochina.

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28 July 1941 – US imposes ban on economic activites w/ Japan

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28 July 1941 – US imposes ban on economic activites w/ Japan

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After Japan invades Indochina, Roosevelt bans all sale of oil and iron (and other vital supplies) and freezes all Japanese assets in the US, stating that they will not be unfrozen until Japan withdraws from China and Indochina.

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13 April 1941 – Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact signed

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13 April 1941 – Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact signed

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The Japanese cease all hostilities with the Soviets as the "Strike South" group of military leaders win out. Defeat by and underestimation of the Red Army at Khalkhin-Gol heavily influences this decision.

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22 June 1941 – Nazis begin the invasion of the Soviet Union

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22 June 1941 – Nazis begin the invasion of the Soviet Union

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Operation Barbarossa pushes into the Soviet Union in a surprise offensive breaking the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

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1941 – The Wehrmacht advance across the Soviet Union, crippling the unprepared Red Army. 

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1941 – The Wehrmacht advance across the Soviet Union, crippling the unprepared Red Army. 

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6 September 1941 – Imperial Conference occurs

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6 September 1941 – Imperial Conference occurs

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An Imperial Conference (or Gozen Kaigi) occurs before the Emperor, discussing the plan for Japanese expansion in the coming years.

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September 1941 – Japanese-US negotiations

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September 1941 – Japanese-US negotiations

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Japan attempts to negotiate with the United States to reopen their oil trade, but the Roosevelt admin. rejects this in order to not sacrifice China. US Ambassador to Japan Joseph Grew warns of war, PM Konoe resigns, and General Tojo Hideki rises to lead the Japanese war effort.

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Draft Proposal Handed by the Japanese Ambassador (Nomura) To the Secretary of State on September 6, 1941 [70]

The Government of Japan undertakes:

(a) that Japan is ready to express its concurrence in those matters which were already tentatively agreed upon between Japan and the United States in the course of their preliminary informal conversations;
(b) that Japan will not make any military advancement from French Indo-China against any of its adjoining areas, and likewise will not, without any justifiable reason, resort to military action against any regions lying south of Japan;
(c) that the attitudes of Japan and the United States towards the European War will be decided by the concepts of protection and self-defense, and, in case the United States should participate in the Europeans War, the interpretation and execution of the Tripartite Pact by Japan shall be independently decided;
(d) that Japan will endeavour to bring about the rehabilitation of general and normal relationship between Japan and China, upon the realization of which Japan is ready to withdraw its armed forces from China as soon as possible in accordance with the agreements between Japan and China;
(e) that the economic activities of the United States in China will not be restricted so long as pursued on an equitable basis;
(f) that Japan's activities in the Southwestern Pacific Area will be carried on by peaceful means and in accordance with the principle of non-discrimination in international commerce, and that Japan will cooperate in the production and procurement by the United States of natural resources in the said area which it needs;
(g) that Japan will take measures necessary for the resumption of normal trade relations between Japan and the United States, and in connection with the above-mentioned, Japan is ready to discontinue immediately the application of the foreigners' transactions control regulations with regard to the United States on the basis of reciprocity.

The Government of the United States undertakes

(a) that, in response to the Japanese Government's commitment expressed in point (d) referred to above, the United States will abstain from any measures and actions which will be prejudicial to the endeavour by Japan concerning the settlement of the China Affair;
(b) that the United States will reciprocate Japan's commitment expressed in point (f) referred to above;
(c) that the United States will suspend any military measures in the Far East and in the Southwestern Pacific Area;
(d) that the United States will immediately [upon settlement] reciprocate Japan's commitment expressed in point (g) referred to above by discontinuing the application of the so-called freezing act with regard to Japan and further by removing the prohibition against the passage of Japanese vessels through the Panama Canal.
[70] This proposal was also handed to the Ambassador in Japan (Grew) by the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs (Toyoda) on September 4, 1941.
Source: U.S., Department of State, Publication 1983, Peace and War: United States Foreign Policy, 1931-1941 (Washington, D.C.: U.S., Government Printing Office, 1943), pp. 734-735
Return to Vinnie's Home Page Return to Interwar Period Page

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Draft Proposal Handed by the Japanese Ambassador (Nomura) To the Secretary of State, 6 September 1941

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The Government of Japan undertakes: (a) that Japan is ready to express its concurrence in those matters which were already tentatively agreed upon between Japan and the United States in the course of their preliminary informal conversations; (b) that Japan will not make any military advancement from French Indo-China against

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November 1941 – Japan offers "modus vivendi," rejected by Roosevelt

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November 1941 – Japan offers "modus vivendi," rejected by Roosevelt

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Desperate for oil, Japan proposes a 'modus vivendi" that will allow trade between Japan and USA. USA rejected and instead proposed to agree to such demands if Japanese troops withdrew from Indochina and China.
In November 27, Secretary of State Hull received a response from Tokyo and implied that war with Japan was imminent, calling for the preparation of an attack to be expected in Southeast Asia.

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Draft Proposal Handed by the Japanese Ambassador (Nomura) To the Secretary of State on November 20, 1941

1. Both the Governments of Japan and the United States undertake not to make any armed advancement into any of the regions in the South?eastern Asia and the Southern Pacific area excepting the part of French Indo-China where the Japanese troops are stationed at present.

2. The Japanese Government undertakes to withdraw its troops now stationed in French Indo-China upon either the restoration of peace between Japan and China or the establishment of an equitable peace in the Pacific area.

In the meantime the Government of Japan declares that it is prepared to remove its troops now stationed in the southern part of French Indo-China to the northern part of the said territory upon the conclusion of the present arrangement which shall later be embodied in the final agreement.

3. The Government of Japan and the United States shall co-operate with a view to securing the acquisition of those goods and commodities which the two countries need in Netherlands East Indies.

4. The Governments of Japan and the United States mutually undertake to restore their commercial relations to those prevailing prior to the freezing of the assets.

The Government of the United States shall supply Japan a required quantity of oil.

5. The Government of the United States undertakes to refrain from such measures and actions as will be prejudicial to the endeavors for the restoration of general peace between Japan and China.

Source: U.S., Department of State, Publication 1983, Peace and War: United States Foreign Policy, 1931-1941 (Washington, D.C.: U.S., Government Printing Office, 1943), pp. 801
Return to Vinnie's Home Page Return to Interwar Period Page

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Draft Proposal Handed by the Japanese Ambassador (Nomura) To the Secretary of State, 20 November 1941

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1. Both the Governments of Japan and the United States undertake not to make any armed advancement into any of the regions in the South?eastern Asia and the Southern Pacific area excepting the part of French Indo-China where the Japanese troops are stationed at present. 2.

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A Japanese air and naval task force attacks the US Pacific Fleet navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, without provocation with the intention to cripple the US Navy. The attack destroyed 6 battleships, a number of smaller boats, nearly 200 planes, and killed thousands of American sailors and soldiers. With public support, the US formally declares war the day after.

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7 December 1941 – Yamamoto's strategy attacking Pearl Harbor

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7 December 1941 – Yamamoto's strategy attacking Pearl Harbor

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Six US battleships are lost, over 200 airplanes lost – however, the US carrier fleet is out on exercises while many ships are recoverable due to repair facilities being undamaged and most ships sunk in shallower water.

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8 December 1941 – Hong Kong captured by Japanese

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8 December 1941 – Hong Kong captured by Japanese

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The British colony of Hong Kong is captured and a small British force is defeated. The subsequent battles for Malaya and the Philippines begin.

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Territory taken/lost in Second Sino-Japanese War 

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Territory taken/lost in Second Sino-Japanese War 

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The Second Sino-Japanese War: Every Fortnight