Why did Japan enter World War I?
1 Answer
Japan entered World War I to honor an agreement made with England in 1902 and also to gain territories in the Pacific that had been held by Germany.
Explanation:
Japan declared war on Germany in 1914 as part of its treaty with England that had declared war on Germany.
Japan took the opportunity of World War I to gain possession of the German outposts in China, the Marshall Islands, the Mariana's the Caroline island chains.
The Japanese navy secured the sea lanes in the Pacific and Indian Ocean for the Entente alliances. This helped England to ship war materials and troops from India and Australia to the European conflict.
The Japanese navy starting in 1917 also help patrol the Med for England. 14 destroyers and 1 Cruiser were sent to help defend against the submarine warfare of Germany and Austria. Japan suffered the loss of 1 destroyer and about 2000 sailors during World War I
The Japanese were bitter about the treaty of Versailles at the end of World War I. The treaty basically ignored Japan as a victorious participant in the war. They wanted a racial equality clause for members of the League of Nations and a greater control over parts of China. The racial equality clause was a not starter in Europe and America and only various Pacific Islands that were former German Territories were awarded to them.
The Shantung Peninsula which they acquired during the War was taken away from them by the US in a Naval Treaty in 1922 with British acquiescence. The Japanese felt betrayed by the Western Powers.
The Japanese honored their treaty with the British in entering World War I and had hoped to gain influence and territory in the China for their efforts in the war.
