How did the annexation of Korea change Japanese foreign policy?

The annexation of Korea marked a shift in Japanese foreign policy towards imperialism and territorial expansion.

The annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910 was a significant turning point in Japanese foreign policy. Prior to this, Japan had largely focused on modernisation and industrialisation, following the Meiji Restoration in 1868. However, the annexation of Korea signalled a shift towards a more aggressive, expansionist foreign policy.

The annexation was driven by a combination of strategic, economic and ideological factors. Strategically, Korea was seen as a buffer against potential Russian expansion in the Far East. Economically, Korea was rich in natural resources, which Japan needed to fuel its rapidly growing industries. Ideologically, the annexation was justified by the concept of 'Pan-Asianism', which argued that Asian nations should be united under Japanese leadership to resist Western imperialism.

The annexation of Korea also had significant implications for Japan's relations with other powers. It led to tensions with Russia, which also had interests in Korea, culminating in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905. The victory of Japan in this war marked the emergence of Japan as a major world power. It also led to the recognition of Japan's control over Korea by other powers, including Britain and the United States, in the Treaty of Portsmouth.

The annexation also marked the beginning of a period of Japanese imperialism in East Asia, which lasted until the end of the Second World War. This included the invasion of Manchuria in 1931, the Second Sino-Japanese War from 1937 to 1945, and the occupation of various Southeast Asian countries during the Second World War. These actions were driven by the same combination of strategic, economic and ideological factors that had led to the annexation of Korea.

In conclusion, the annexation of Korea was a significant turning point in Japanese foreign policy. It marked a shift towards imperialism and territorial expansion, driven by strategic, economic and ideological factors. It also had significant implications for Japan's relations with other powers, and marked the beginning of a period of Japanese imperialism in East Asia.