Autonomy and Responsibility: Japan Enters World War II World War II is considered by many to be the most important event of the 20th century. The outcome of this war defines the modern world. World War II resulted in the tragic death of a huge population across the world. What led to the loss of so many lives? What caused the nations of the world to embark on the path to war? This analysis attempts to answer these questions in terms of autonomy and responsibility, and focuses on Japan. Japan was a major player in the war. As the aggressor in the war, Japan had entered military action before the start of the European War and was not defeated by the Allied powers until VE Day. Several factors came together to create a war between the United States and Japan that led to the fateful bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was about the imperialist foreign policy of Japan, the invasions of Manchuria and China, the signing of the Tripartite Pact. Japan's foreign policy before World War II was one of imperialism. Japan, seeking to increase its autonomy, was eager to take control of new territories. Like the Europeans, notably Great Britain, Japan wanted to extend its borders beyond the seas. Imperial colonies would bring Japan the self-sufficiency it craved by providing new and expanded national resources. A Japanese empire would eliminate the need to import goods from other countries. To establish this empire, Japan decided to expand into Manchuria, China, and Southeast Asia, countries that were close to Japan and could more easily be invaded and taken over by the European powers currently in control there. National pride, another factor in imperialism, was very high in Japan. This pride is what motivated the desire for national authority...... middle of paper ......Vail-Ballou Press, 1958), 35. Paul W. Schroeder, 56. Gus V. Griffin . “Timeline of the Second World War”. The Second World War. http://www.qt.org/worldwar/timeline/. (March 5, 2000).7. Paul W. Schroeder, 228. Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress9. Herbert Feis, The Road to Pearl Harbor. Cited in Paul W. Schroeder, 210. Paul W. Schroeder, 311. Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress12. Tripartite pact. As cited in Paul W. Schroeder, 1913. Paul W. Schroeder, 19-2114. The Avalon Project. William C. Fray and Lisa A. Spar, co-directors. "Pearl HarborDocuments" The Avalon Project at Yale Law School Documents on law, history, and diplomacy. http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/wwii/pmenu.htm. (March 5, 2000).15. Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress16. Gus V. Griffin