Japan
Today, Japan is a country rich in history and culture. It is a society
that is famous for its contributions to the world's industrial engineering,
manufacturing, trade and economic markets. but in the 1930's and 1940's,
Japan was famous for being involved in an event that brought destruction from
one corner of the world to the other. In the late 1930's Japan entered WWII
and would be forever changed by the military actions taken by it and towards
it. This webquest role will provide you with questions and resources that
will allow you to examine the role that Japan played in WWII. Through this
role, you will examine the factors that contributed to the decision of the
Japanese leadership to enter the war and the results of that decision.
Directions: Carefully read the following questions. Explore the websites at
the bottom of the page to locate information that will assist you in
answering the questions.
1. What were the factors that contributed to Japan entering the war? How did
these factors affect the people and country of Japan? What role did the
Emperor of Japan play in deciding to enter the war.
2. Why did the Japanese leadership feel it was necessary to attack the United
States? What advantages were the seeking to gain?
3. Japan occupied which country in 1940 after joining the Axis of Powers
(Germany and Italy)?
4. On what dates did the U. S. drop atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki?
5. Officially, how many people died from the bombing of Hiroshima? How many
people were injured?
6. What brought an end to war for Japan? How did the Japanese people and
leadership feel about the possible surrender of Japan?
Internet Links
World War II in Japan
This site provides WWII information concerning the involvment of Japan and
other countries.
http://www.worldwariihistory.info/in/Japan.html
Asian theatre of World War II
This site provides information about the policies and military actions of
Japan.
http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Theatre_of_World_War_II
Postwar Japan
This link describes what happened in postwar Japn.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2124.html
Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
This website provides a description of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/abomb/mp07.htm
Eyewitness Account
This link provides eyewitness accounts of the bombing of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/abomb/mp25.htm
The Surrender of Japan
This site describes the details surrounding the surrender of Japan.
http://www.worldwar2database.com/html/japansurrender.htm
Other Resources