1)How has modern Japan used war as a strategy to “catch up” to the West? When,

if ever, did Japan feel it had accomplished this goal and gained acceptance as an

equal partner among the great powers of Europe and the United States?

2)Various individuals and institutions have been blamed for the suffering that Japan

caused from 1931 through 1945. These include the Japanese civil government, the

emperor, the military, and the common people. Evaluate the culpability of each of

these actors for Japan’s war in Asia. Who do you think was responsible for

Japan’s trajectory towards imperialism and militarism?