Why Did Japan Invade Germany’s Chinese Colony?

The Asian Theatre’s Only Major Land Battle In WWI

German Defenders Turn Back After Facing Japanese & British Forces. Source: deutsche-schutzgebiete.de

Prelude to the Siege

Street Scene in German Tsingtao. Source: Pinterest

After establishing a colony in China in 1898, Germany began to build its military influence around the port Tsingtao. Eventually, Germany would form the German East Asiatic Squadron, which supported German colonies throughout the Pacific.

But Great Britain was suspicious about Germany establishing colonies throughout Asia. On top of that, Russia began moving its influence towards India, Korea, and Manchuria.

As a result, the British Empire began forging closer relations with an East Asian power, Japan. And this resulted in the Anglo-Japanese alliance in 1902, protecting both empires’ interests in China and Korea.

When the Russo-Japanese War broke out in 1905, the British Empire supported Japan. This resulted in increased tensions between Great Britain and Germany.

However, Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, supported strengthening relations with Japan. Churchill saw the British Empire would need Japan’s help in case of an outbreak of a European…