The Japanese leadership was aware that a total military victory in a traditional sense against the USA was impossible; the alternative would be negotiating for peace after their initial victories, which would recognize Japanese hegemony in Asia. In fact, the Imperial GHQ noted, should acceptable negotiations be reached with the Americans, the attacks were to be canceled—even if the order to attack had already been given. The Japanese leadership looked to base the conduct of the war against America on the historical experiences of the successful wars against China (1894–95) and Russia (1904–05), in both of which a strong continental power was defeated by reaching limited military objectives, not by total conquest. COUNT 7
QSN1 What would Japan accomplish by peace after their early victories? ANS1 recognize Japanese hegemony in Asia. QSN2 Did The Japanese believe they could defeate the U.S.? ANS2 impossible QSN3 What was Japan's strategic goal in attacking America? ANS3 defeated by reaching limited military objectives, not by total conquest QSN4 What did the Japanese military leadership think the chances were of complete military victory ove the United States? ANS4 impossible QSN5 What did Japan want recognised in planned peace negotiations after their initial victories? ANS5 Japanese hegemony in Asia QSN6 If acceptable negotiations btween Japan and the United States were reached, what would be done regarding the attacks? ANS6 canceled QSN7 What was the conduct of the war against the United States based on? ANS7 historical experiences