6. China became an easy target for Japan because________.
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The Chinese people didn't understand their language, so they couldn't interpret Japanese communications.
The Chinese had a much smaller standing army.
The Chinese were controlled by Western powers.
The Chinese were distracted by a lengthy civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists.
The Chinese had a much smaller standing army.
The correct answer is: The Chinese were distracted by a lengthy civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists.
To determine the answer, we need to evaluate the options presented:
1. The Chinese people didn't understand their language, so they couldn't interpret Japanese communications.
This option suggests a language barrier between the Chinese and Japanese, but it does not necessarily make China an easy target for Japan. Language barriers can pose challenges in communication, but they do not typically make a country vulnerable to invasion.
2. The Chinese had a much smaller standing army.
This option suggests that China's smaller military strength may have made it susceptible to Japanese aggression. Historically, a weaker military can be a factor in an invasion, as it may be difficult to defend against a larger or more advanced military force.
3. The Chinese were controlled by Western powers.
This option indicates that China was under the control or influence of Western powers, which could have made it vulnerable to external aggression. When a country is already grappling with foreign control or interference, it may have limited resources or options to defend itself against additional threats.
4. The Chinese were distracted by a lengthy civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists.
This option suggests internal instability due to a civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists in China. If the nation is divided and its attention is focused on internal conflicts, it can weaken its ability to defend against external threats.
Analyzing the options, the most plausible reason why China became an easy target for Japan is that the Chinese were distracted by a lengthy civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists. Internal conflicts can significantly weaken a nation's ability to defend itself effectively and can provide an opportunity for external powers to exploit the situation.