Japan is an island nation in eastern Asia. It is a strong nation and has been over time. Japan's long and remarkable history encompasses many economical, political, and social events. History reflects the nation's never ending desire for political and economic status among the nations of the world. Japanese history before the twentieth century, is divided into three general phases. It begins in about 500 A.D. with classical Japan or the "Golden Age,"� runs through the feudal period and continues on to the Meiji Restoration. In an effort to preserve their history, the Japanese people have maintained many legends and traditions. Towards the beginning of the twentieth century, Japan emerged as a strong naval and political power. They had strong involvement in World War II. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki along with the ratification of a new constitution had substantial impacts on Japan.
World War II began in Europe in September of 1939, and it tragically ended in 1945 with the United State's bombings of Japan.
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English: Gen. Douglas MacArthur wades ashore durin...
English: General Douglas MacArthur signs as Suprem...In terms of lives lost and destruction, WWII was the most devastating war in human history. It started as a conflict between Germany and an Anglo-French coalition. It soon spread to most of the nations of the world. Japan entered the war in September of 1940 as an ally of Germany. Together they invaded French Indochina. By 1941, Japan was completely at war. At this point in time, the United States was cutting back on the amount of oil and iron it would sell to Japan. In retaliation against the United States, Japan attacked the U.S. military bases at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. They also bombed U.S. bases in Guam, Wake Island, and the Philippines. These bombings brought the U.S. to war with Japan and it's allies, Germany and...