Beginnings of Japanese imperialism
In 1895, Japan began to build an empire like those of Britain and other European powers. Three Asian regions were the initial targets of Japanese expansion: Taiwan, Korea, and Manchuria.
After defeating China, Japan assumed control over Taiwan in 1895. Korea fell under Japanese control in 1910, following a bitterly fought war between Japan and Russia in 1905. The Russo-Japanese War also gave Japan a small foothold in Manchuria. There, Japan's army of occupation gradually expanded its control.
World War I began in 1914. Japan, as an ally of Britain, at once declared war on Germany. The war gave Japan an opportunity to enlarge its empire slightly. More importantly, the war gave Japan an economic advantage in India and the rest of Asia. As Western nations became preoccupied with the war in Europe, they stopped their investment and trade in the East. Japanese exporters and manufacturers took that opportunity to move into Indian and other Asian markets. Japan's economy boomed.
Excerpt adapted from the "Japan" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999