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World History

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts) Tue Dec 14, 2021, 05:04 PM Dec 2021

Warning Signs Ignored on the Path [View all]

Before Japan took the fateful decision to launch the Pacific War, the Japanese military commissioned a report on the economic strength of major countries. The study concluded Japan was far weaker than the US and the UK. NHK World looked into why the decision to go to war was taken in spite of the study indicating that Japan was in a relatively weak economic position.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20211210204033201/

The video runs a bit over 9 minutes but is well worth watching for those interested in the history of WWII.I really enjoy the reporting on NHK as I find to to be informative without the manufactured drama of US cable noise services.

15 replies

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Warning Signs Ignored on the Path [View all] Sherman A1 Dec 2021 OP

I think oil and rubber in SE Asia were prime motivators for Japan's decision to strike Pearl Harbor. OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 #1

Right, why didn't the Japanese strike while the carriers were still there? Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #7

The Battleships, while impressive, were of limited value in the Pacific War. OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 #9

This message was self-deleted by its author Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #11

I think Yamamoto knew the value of Naval Air Power. OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 #12

My understanding is that the Japanese intelligence was excellent leading up to PH. Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #13

Did you mean. not losing Midway? OAITW r.2.0 Dec 2021 #14

Right that is what I am saying. Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #15

Their economic situation was one reason they went to war, and they had a superior military Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #2

--- and the U.S. had blocked Japan's access to the oil in response to Japan's invasion of Manchuria. 3Hotdogs Dec 2021 #4

Exactly. They considered this a serious provocation. Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #6

The Akimuro unit was incredibly accurate in their predictions rurallib Dec 2021 #3

Yes the Akimuro report was Army, and the Army was not as powerful politically as the Navy. Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #8

Also, the Japanese military academy had a final exam quesition. 3Hotdogs Dec 2021 #5

Good God, I never heard that one. So Pearl Harbor was a Imperial Navy wet dream for a long time. Irish_Dem Dec 2021 #10