Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

Quick Facts: Who was Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere?

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Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

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A WWII propaganda concept for a pan-Asian union under Japanese hegemony.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (Japanese: 大東亜共栄圏, Hepburn: Dai Tōa Kyōeiken; Kyujitai: 大東亞共榮圈), also known as the GEACPS, was a pan-Asian union that the Empire of Japan tried to establish. Initially, it covered Japan (including annexed Korea), Manchukuo, and China, but as the Pacific War progressed, it also included territories in Southeast Asia and parts of India. The term was first coined by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hachirō Arita on June 29, 1940. The proposed objectives of this union were to ensure economic self-sufficiency and cooperation among the member states, along with resisting the influence of Western imperialism and Soviet communism. In reality, militarists and nationalists saw it as an effective propaganda tool to enforce Japanese hegemony.

Career & Major Achievements

The latter approach was reflected in a document released by Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, An Investigation of Global Policy with the Yamato Race as Nucleus, which promoted Japanese supremacist theories. Japanese spokesmen openly described the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere as a device for the "development of the Japanese race." When World War II ended, the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere became a source of criticism and scorn for the Allies. The concept of a unified Asia under Japanese leadership had its roots dating back to the 16th century. For example, Toyotomi Hideyoshi proposed to make China, Korea, and Japan into "one". Moreover, Hideyoshi had further plans to expand into India, the Philippines, and other islands in the Pacific.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In Autumn 1872, United States minister to Japan Charles DeLong explained to U.S. General Charles LeGendre that he had been urging the Government of Japan to occupy Taiwan and "civilize" the Taiwanese indigenous people just as the U.S. had taken over the land of the Native Americans and "civilized" them. General LeGendre, the first non-Japanese person hired as a foreign policy expert by the Japanese government, encouraged the Japanese to declare a Japanese "sphere of influence" modeled on the Monroe Doctrine that the U.S. had declared for the exclusion of other powers from the Western Hemisphere. Such a Japanese sphere of influence would be the first time a non-White state would adopt such a policy . The stated aim of such a sphere of influence would be to civilize the barbarian peoples of Asia. "Pacify and civilize them if possible, and if not...exterminate them or otherwise deal with them as the United States and England have dealt with the barbarians," LeGendre had explained to the Japanese.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1872: 1872 Milestone — In Autumn 1872, United States minister to Japan Charles DeLong explained to U.
2. 1940: 1940 Milestone — The term was first coined by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hachirō Arita on June 29, 1940.

Notable Quotes by Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

“We intend to begin a campaign of education in [Korea and China] such as we ourselves have experienced [and to develop] Asiatic commercial interests that will benefit us all.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

True or False: “The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was initially conceived solely as a purely economic cooperation zone without any military implications.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While economics were emphasized, the concept was deeply intertwined with militarist goals and Japanese hegemony, often framed in terms of 'civilizing' Asian peoples.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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Frequently Asked Questions about Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere