Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:13:54-5:14:46

Would an earlier Pacific war favor Japan?

The pre-World War I Anglo-Japanese alliance changes the calculation, while a Japanese advantage at later dates is rejected.

Anglo-Japanese AllianceImperial Japanese NavyPacific WarUS NavyWorld War I
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Question

Would any pre-World War II Pacific war have been more favorable to Japan?

Short answer

An earlier war after World War I is not expected to improve Japan's outcome. Before that war, a weaker US Navy and Britain's alliance with Japan create a different situation.

Notes

Moving a US-Japanese war to an earlier date after World War I is not expected to improve Japan's position. Before World War I, the scenario instead assumes a weaker US Navy and Japan's alliance with Britain. If an American ally joined, Britain would be obliged to intervene under that alliance. Britain is expected to oppose the war itself and press both sides to stop fighting. The earlier alliance situation therefore matters to the outcome.