Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

Definition

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was an imperial concept promoted by Japan during World War II, aiming to establish a self-sufficient bloc of Asian nations led by Japan. This ideology sought to unite various Asian countries under Japanese leadership, ostensibly for mutual benefit and prosperity, while often masking the aggressive colonial intentions and exploitation that accompanied its implementation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was officially announced in 1940, emphasizing Japan's desire to lead Asian nations in a cooperative alliance against Western colonialism.
2. While Japan promoted the concept as a means of fostering economic cooperation and cultural exchange, it often resulted in military occupation and brutal repression of local populations.
3. The slogan 'Asia for Asians' was used to rally support for the Co-Prosperity Sphere, but many nations viewed it as a guise for Japanese domination.
4. The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere encompassed territories including Korea, Taiwan, Manchuria, and parts of Southeast Asia that Japan had occupied during its expansionist campaigns.
5. Resistance to Japanese rule within the Co-Prosperity Sphere often led to nationalist movements that ultimately contributed to Japan's defeat in World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere reflect ultranationalist ideologies present in Japan during World War II?
  • The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere embodied ultranationalist ideologies by promoting the idea of Japanese superiority and manifest destiny over other Asian nations. This belief system justified Japan's imperial ambitions, as it positioned itself as a leader meant to unify and elevate Asia against Western colonial powers. However, in reality, it served as a facade for Japan's aggressive expansionism and exploitation of conquered territories.
• Analyze the impact of Japanese imperialism on the countries within the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere during World War II.
  • Japanese imperialism significantly impacted countries within the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere by establishing harsh military regimes that suppressed local cultures and economies. Although Japan claimed to foster cooperation among Asian nations, its policies often resulted in resource extraction and forced labor systems. This led to widespread suffering and resistance movements, undermining any perceived benefits of cooperation that were promised under the guise of the Co-Prosperity Sphere.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere on post-war Asian geopolitics and nationalism.
  • The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere had lasting consequences on post-war Asian geopolitics as it fueled nationalist sentiments among countries that experienced Japanese occupation. The harsh realities of occupation led to strong anti-imperialist movements that sought independence from colonial rule. In many cases, these movements gained momentum during and after World War II, contributing to a wave of decolonization across Asia that reshaped political boundaries and national identities in the region.

Related terms

Pan-Asianism: A political and cultural movement that promotes the unity of Asian peoples, often emphasizing shared heritage and values while advocating for independence from Western imperial powers.

Ultranationalism: An extreme form of nationalism that places the interests of the nation above all else, often leading to the exclusion or oppression of other nations or ethnic groups.

Japanese Imperialism: The policy and practice of Japan extending its power and influence over other territories, especially in East Asia, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.