ABSTRACT
The Japanese invasion of China in 1937 had failed to bring victory. Their armed forces had won almost every battle, and by 1939, they held most of North China and port cities on the east coast. Polls revealed that most Americans opposed Japan's bloody war against China, but disagreement existed over what course the United States should follow. Many people expressed sympathy for the Chinese, but above all, they did not want to be dragged into any conflict. The alliance Japan entered with Germany and Italy designated their respective spheres of influence. In Japan, the army had long agitated for alignment with Nazi Germany. The wisdom of imposing trade restrictions or embargoes against Japan would be debated through 1940 and 1941, as it had been during the Manchurian crisis. Japan's pact with Germany and Italy underlined the need for the United States to develop a coherent strategy in the event of war with the combined Axis powers.
