Which war marked the beginning of Japan's imperial expansion in the late 19th century?

• A. The Russo-Japanese War
• B. The First Sino-Japanese War
• C. The Second Sino-Japanese War
• D. The Pacific War

Answer: (B)

The First Sino-Japanese War, fought between 1894 and 1895, marked the beginning of Japan's imperial expansion in the late 19th century. This conflict arose from competing interests in Korea between Japan and China, with Japan seeking to assert itself as a regional power and to expand its influence. The successful conclusion of the war significantly enhanced Japan's international status and demonstrated its military capabilities, especially in contrast to the declining Qing Dynasty of China.

As a result of the war, Japan gained control over Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands and won significant concessions through the Treaty of Shimonoseki. This treaty not only affirmed Japan’s status as a formidable imperial power but also initiated a period of aggressive colonial expansion, leading to further conflicts and territorial acquisitions in East Asia.

In contrast, the Russo-Japanese War occurred later, in 1904-1905, and is often seen as a consolidation of Japan’s status as an empire rather than the beginning of its expansion. The Second Sino-Japanese War, beginning in 1937, was a larger conflict that further solidified Japanese expansion but occurred much later. The Pacific War, part of World War II, was significantly influenced by Japan's imperial policies but is not associated with the initial