Answer:
In the early 19th century, Japan was extremely isolationist. The country had a very rich culture, founded upon art and beauty. But compared to other nations of its size and age, it was rather weak. Because of its isolation, the technology had never really developed. New ideas were never brought in through trade, and neither were actually items. The country’s main weaponry was limited still to swords and the very first muskets. While other countries were experimenting with new, nearly automatic weapons, and cannons that could blast through buildings, Japan was stuck still an entire, if not two centuries behind.
In 1866, American Admiral Matthew Perry requested that the country reopen itself, with a show of force from the Americans. Tokyo’s harbour was filled with heavy warships, things that Japan had hardly seen before. After a year of trade negotiations, the country was opened to the outside world. In the late 19th century, the influx of new ideas, cultures and people directly shook the Japanese social structure. The Samurai, protectors of Japan see this as a direct invasion, a menace to their aristocratic power. The Samurai attempt to replace the Shogun, prime minister of Japan. After multiple civil wars, there is a new leader, the Emperor. He realizes that if his country is to flourish, then they will have to vastly advance their weaponry and technology to modern standards.
In an extremely short time, Japan advances their military up to the standard of other countries. Modern tactics and weaponry allow them to start a small empire by invading neighboring islands in the Pacific. In 1904, Japan invaded Manchuria, which was being eyed by Russia. The two countries engage in a small-scale war, in which Japan comes out victorious. This war is eye opening for other European powers, as it showed them that tiny Japan could go toe to toe with a major power, and come out on top.
In WWI, Japan didn't do much except for invading more small islands that had been controlled by Germany. After the War, Japan joins the League of Nations, solidifying them as a world power. The Great Depression hit Japan very hard, and so much infighting broke out. The general idea for how to pull themselves out of the Depression is to strengthen their military, and continue the conquest of the Pacific island region. All the way up to World War II Japan continues to invade small nations, and even parts of China. This grows their confidence as a warring nation, and so they ally themselves with Germany as the world falls apart for the Second World War. Japan attacks the American base of Pearl harbor, hoping to scare any resistance out of the United States. This does quite the opposite, and gives the United States the kick it needed to join the war effort. The U.S ended its isolationism, and striked back with far more force against all enemies of its allies.
Step-by-step explanation: