Question 15/Multiple Choice Worth 5 points) Which of the following is true about the American embargo on sales to Japan? It hindered Japan's ability to wage war. It was a direct result of the Pearl Harbor bombing. It made Japan invade China to obtain needed resources. It forced Japan to reopen peace negotiations.

## Step 1<br />The American embargo on sales to Japan was a response to Japan's aggressive actions in Asia, particularly its invasion of China. The U.S. imposed this embargo to curb Japan's military expansion and to pressure Japan to withdraw from China.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The statement "It made Japan invade China to obtain needed resources" is accurate. Japan, being resource-poor, relied heavily on imports for its industrial economy. The embargo cut off Japan's access to essential resources like oil and steel, which were crucial for its industrial and military needs.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />In response to the embargo, Japan sought to secure these resources by invading China and Southeast Asia. This was an attempt to establish a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, which would provide Japan with the resources it needed without relying on Western imports.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The other options are not accurate. The embargo was not a direct result of the Pearl Harbor bombing; rather, the bombing was a consequence of the escalating tensions between Japan and the U.S., partly due to the embargo. The embargo did not hinder Japan's ability to wage war; instead, it motivated Japan to become more aggressive in its military campaigns. Lastly, the embargo did not force Japan to reopen peace negotiations; instead, it pushed Japan further towards war.