Final answer:
True, nationalists and militarists in Japan promoted expansion across Asia during the 1930s, ostensibly to liberate Asian nations from Western colonialism, but also to secure resources and markets. Skepticism existed regarding Japan's true intentions, which appeared imperialistic and self-serving despite official claims of establishing regional autonomy and prosperity.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, nationalists did encourage Japan to expand throughout Asia during the global economic downturn in the 1930s. During this period, Japan faced significant challenges such as the effects of the Great Depression, scarcity of natural resources, and dependence on external trade, particularly with the United States. The rise in militarism and the vision of a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" led Japan to pursue aggressive expansionist policies, claiming it aimed to liberate Asia from Western colonialism. However, not all Asian territories welcomed Japanese expansion as genuine liberation.
The Japanese economy experienced growth in the 1920s due to military production and investments in China. Japan's militaristic government needed to secure essential resources like oil and rubber, and desired reliable food supplies for its growing population. The aggressive expansion into Asian territories like Manchukuo was justified as a way to obtain these resources and also as a means to fight European colonialism and establish Japan as a regional power. Nonetheless, the claim of liberating Asian nations was often met with skepticism, considering the imperialistic approach in which these policies were carried out and the coercive control over the regions such as Manchukuo.
The notion of economic power of Asia has evolved over time, with Japan having transformed its economy post-World War II into a technologically advanced powerhouse, aided by strategic U.S. policies that fostered its development.