1931 JAPAN INVADES MANCHURIA
One way the Japanese military decides it can fight the poverty brought on by the worldwide economic depression of the 1920s is to expand its territories. Japan's invasion of the northern Chinese province of Manchuria is the first step in establishing a Japanese empire.
1930s JAPAN ARMS ITSELF
Between 1931 and 1937, Japan greatly increases the size of its army and navy. Billions of tons of petroleum oil are necessary to fuel the new planes, ships, and army vehicles.
1937 JAPAN GOES TO WAR WITH CHINA
Japan launches a full-scale attack on the rest of China. In the next few years, Japan will expand its empire to French Indochina, now the separate nations of Vietnam, Laos, and Kampuchea.
1940 TRIPARTITE PACT SIGNED
In September 1940, Japan responds to U.S. threats by signing the Tripartite (three-part) Pact. This Pact partners them with two European governments, Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany.
1941 FDR TAKES ACTION
In July, Japan moves into Indochina. FDR issues a stern warning to imperial leaders. When Japan fails to respond, FDR orders a freeze on all Japanese money and property in the U.S. and cuts off all exports to Japan.
NOVEMBER 1941 LAST MINUTE NEGOTIATIONS
After Tojo Hideki becomes Prime Minister of Japan, eleventh-hour negotiations continue in Washington. Although there is still chance of compromise, the process breaks down over U.S. insistence that Japan withdraw from Manchuria.
DECEMBER 7, 1941 JAPAN ATTACKS PEARL HARBOR
On the morning of December 7, a wave of Japanese bombers attacks the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. Within a matter of hours, the U.S. loses 8 battleships, 188 airplanes, and 7 other vessels.
  Other Resources
President Roosevelt's "Date of Infamy" Speech click here.

Minute-by-minute account of the attack on Pearl Harbor click here.

World War II Timeline click here.