Student Question
Why did the United States want control over Japan?
Quick answer:
The United States sought control over Japan after World War II to prevent the spread of communism, as Japan's destruction made it susceptible to Soviet influence. By rebuilding Japan's economy, the U.S. aimed to stabilize the region and deter communism. Additionally, in the 1850s, the U.S. wanted to trade with Japan to boost its industries and access Japanese products, leading to a reluctant trade agreement after a naval demonstration. Thus, economic and geopolitical interests drove U.S. actions.
The United States had an interest in having control over Japan after World War II ended. The United States had an interest in Japan in the 1800s also.
After World War II ended, Japan was destroyed as a result of the devastation caused by the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We knew the Soviet Union was interested in spreading communism after World War II ended, and Japan would be a prime place to spread it because of all the devastation and destruction that existed in Japan. Additionally, the Japanese economy was in ruins. The United States wanted to control Japan so we could help rebuild the country and its economy. We felt rebuilding Japan and its economy would help to keep Japan from becoming a communist nation.
In the 1850s, the United States wanted to trade with Japan. We wanted this trade to help our industries grow and to get products that we wanted from Japan. Japan reluctantly agreed to trade with us after our navy showed up in Japan.
The United States wanted to have control over Japan, mainly to keep it from becoming communist, but also to be able to trade with them.
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