In the late 1930s, what percentage of oil was imported by Japan from America?

In the late 1930s, what percentage of oil was imported by Japan from America?

• A. 80%
• B. 60%
• C. 40%
• D. 30%

Answer: (A)

Japan’s oil supply relied heavily on imports, and by the late 1930s the United States supplied the overwhelming majority of that oil—about four-fifths. This intense dependence helps explain why energy shortages and embargo fears had such big strategic impact, pushing efforts to secure Southeast Asian oil and shaping Japan’s wartime choices. The other sources were important but much smaller by comparison, so percentages like 60%, 40%, or 30% would understate how dominant the American share was.

Japan’s oil supply relied heavily on imports, and by the late 1930s the United States supplied the overwhelming majority of that oil—about four-fifths. This intense dependence helps explain why energy shortages and embargo fears had such big strategic impact, pushing efforts to secure Southeast Asian oil and shaping Japan’s wartime choices. The other sources were important but much smaller by comparison, so percentages like 60%, 40%, or 30% would understate how dominant the American share was.