1. Appeasement and Isolationism (Early 1930s):
* Neutrality Acts (1935-1939): These laws were passed to prevent the US from getting entangled in foreign conflicts, reflecting a strong isolationist sentiment.
* "Good Neighbor Policy" (1933): Focused on improving relations with Latin America, partly to reduce the need for intervention in the region and to avoid further entanglements.
* Limited Support for China: The US did offer some moral and financial support to China after the Japanese invasion in 1937, but refrained from direct military intervention.
2. Growing Concerns and Restrained Actions (Late 1930s):
* Public Opinion Shifts: Public opinion began to shift as Japanese aggression in China and Southeast Asia became more evident.
* Economic Sanctions: The US imposed some economic sanctions on Japan, particularly after the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and the subsequent occupation of China.
* Military Buildup: The US began to increase its military spending and modernize its armed forces, recognizing the growing threat posed by Japan.
3. Escalating Tensions and Embargo (Early 1940s):
* "Freezing" Japanese Assets: The US froze Japanese assets in the US and banned exports of vital materials like oil and steel to Japan in 1941. This action aimed to pressure Japan into ending its aggression but also created a tense economic situation.
* Diplomatic Negotiations: Despite the embargo, the US still engaged in diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution, but these proved ultimately unsuccessful.
4. War (December 1941):
* Attack on Pearl Harbor: The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, marked the beginning of the US's entry into World War II. The attack shattered American isolationism and solidified a commitment to defeating the Axis powers.
In summary, the US foreign policy towards Japan's aggression went through several phases:
* Initial Appeasement: The US sought to remain isolated and avoided direct confrontation.
* Growing Concern: The US started to take actions like economic sanctions and military buildup but still aimed for a peaceful resolution.
* Escalation to Embargo: The US imposed a strict economic embargo hoping to force Japan to back down.
* War: The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor ended any hope of peaceful resolution and resulted in a full-scale war.
This evolution highlights the complexities of international relations and the difficult choices nations face in responding to aggression.