What led to the breakdown of US-Japanese negotiations before Pearl Harbor?

The breakdown of US-Japanese negotiations before Pearl Harbor was primarily due to disagreements over China and economic sanctions.

The negotiations between the United States and Japan before the attack on Pearl Harbor were complex and fraught with tension. The primary point of contention was Japan's aggressive expansion into China, which the US strongly opposed. Japan had invaded China in 1937, initiating the Second Sino-Japanese War, and had committed numerous war crimes, including the infamous Nanking Massacre. The US, along with other Western powers, had significant economic interests in China and were not willing to recognise Japan's conquests.

In response to Japan's aggression, the US imposed economic sanctions, including an embargo on oil exports to Japan. This was a significant blow to Japan, which relied heavily on US oil. The embargo was part of a broader strategy of economic warfare aimed at pressuring Japan to withdraw from China. However, Japan viewed the sanctions as an attempt to stifle its rise as a global power and refused to back down.

The negotiations were further complicated by a lack of trust between the two sides. The US was suspicious of Japan's intentions, particularly after the signing of the Tripartite Pact in 1940, which formed an alliance between Japan, Germany, and Italy. Japan, for its part, believed that the US was trying to contain its expansion and undermine its interests in East Asia.

Despite numerous attempts to resolve their differences, the negotiations ultimately failed. The US insisted that Japan withdraw from China and Indochina, while Japan demanded that the US lift its economic sanctions. Neither side was willing to compromise on these key issues. The breakdown of negotiations left Japan feeling cornered and desperate, setting the stage for the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

In conclusion, the breakdown of US-Japanese negotiations before Pearl Harbor was the result of deep-seated disagreements over China and economic sanctions, as well as a lack of trust between the two sides. Despite efforts to find a diplomatic solution, these issues proved insurmountable, leading to the eventual outbreak of war.