Japanese Imperialism And The Pacific War

Abstract

The Second World War is known in Japan as the Pacific War, a designation now widely accepted by Western specialists as well (Ienaga, 1968; Beasley, 1987). The name is important, for it reflects the realization that this war was separate from the one fought in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. As with other aspects of Asian history, the Pacific War is now seen as having emerged out of the internal dynamics of Asian social development. However, the identification and analysis of those dynamics is complex and highly contentious. A Marxist/Leninist explanation, for instance, would see the war as essentially imperialist. Diplomatic historians would emphasize the altered balance of power and see the war as a Great Power conflict. Historians looking critically at the internal workings of the Japanese social and political system might see the war as fascist. Finally, those historians who emphasize the failings of individuals could see the war as a tragic mistake.

You’ve committed one of the classic blunders — the best known is ‘never fight a land war in Asia’. Vizzini to Wesley (disguised as the Great Pirate Roberts), in The Princess Bride, 1987