To what extent was Japan’s military power responsible for its initial success in the Second World War?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Japan’s military power was responsible for its initial success in the Second World War. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement. Candidates may discuss events that predate the Second World War but these must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. To support the statement candidates may discuss the nature of the Japanese Military and note its size, discipline, technologies and the experience it had gained in the war with China. Japan’s military plans, the “Southern Plan” and the “Eastern Plan” may also be discussed to show that the Japanese military had clear strategical objectives. Candidates may challenge the statement by identifying other factors for Japanese success. These could include the impact of the Tripartite Pact of 1940 and the weaknesses of the Allied powers in the region.