How Fear and Greed Led to French Indochina's Downfall!

In 1938, Japanese Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye criticized the League of Nations and expressed Japan's commitment to establishing a new global order. He wanted Asian nations free from Western influence and protected by Japan. In 1940, Japan preyed on France's defeat and issued an ultimatum to Indochina, demanding the closure of important transportation routes and port access to China. Despite initial resistance, Indochina complied due to a lack of support from Britain and the US. Japan continued to make demands, including naval basing rights and the closure of the Chinese border. The fact that the British Commonwealth did appease Japan by closing the Burma Road into China and America's reluctance to intervene emboldened Japan to pursue a southern advance.