What was one reason Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931?
A. Western imperial powers in China were threatening to invade Japan.
B. Japanese militarists hoped to build an empire to rival Western colonial empires.
C. Japan wanted to avenge its defeat by China in the First Sino-Japanese War.
D. The Axis powers had agreed to divide up most of Europe and Asia.
B. Japanese militarists hoped to build an empire to rival Western colonial empires.
Which of the following is a reason why Western countries refused to accept more refugees in the late 1930s?
A. Western countries were not aware of Hitler's racial theories.
B. Western countries needed to commit all their resources to the war effort.
C. Western countries did not want to provoke war with Germany.
D. Western countries were burdened with the effects of the Great Depression.
D. Western countries were burdened with the effects of the Great Depression.
To determine the reason why Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, we need to analyze the given options and find the most plausible explanation.
A. Western imperial powers in China were threatening to invade Japan: This option does not accurately reflect the situation leading to Japan's invasion of Manchuria. At the time, Japan was more concerned with expanding its own influence rather than defending against foreign invasions.
B. Japanese militarists hoped to build an empire to rival Western colonial empires: This option aligns with the historical context of Japan's expansionist ambitions during that period. Japanese militarists sought to establish an empire in East Asia to compete with Western colonial powers. This includes the desire to control Manchuria as part of their strategic plan.
C. Japan wanted to avenge its defeat by China in the First Sino-Japanese War: While the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) influenced Japan's expansionist policies, it is not the primary reason for the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. The events surrounding the invasion are more closely tied to Japan's ambitions for empire-building.
D. The Axis powers had agreed to divide up most of Europe and Asia: The Axis powers, consisting of Germany, Italy, and Japan, formed during the Second World War. However, Japan's invasion of Manchuria occurred in 1931, several years before the Axis powers were established. Therefore, this option is not relevant to the question.
Based on the given options, the most accurate answer would be B. Japanese militarists hoped to build an empire to rival Western colonial empires.