In the late 1930s, what percentage of oil consumed in Japan was produced domestically?

In the late 1930s, what percentage of oil consumed in Japan was produced domestically?

• A. 50%
• B. 7%
• C. 20%
• D. 80%

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is understanding how little oil Japan could produce at home in the late 1930s compared to what it used. Japan had very few domestic oil resources, so only a small share of the oil it consumed was produced domestically—about seven percent. The vast majority came from abroad, making Japan highly dependent on imports for its energy needs. This reliance helped drive strategic decisions to secure oil supplies overseas, influencing the country’s expansionist actions in the region. So, seven percent fits the historical picture: domestic production covered only a tiny portion of consumption, while the rest had to be imported. The other options would imply a much larger domestic output, which doesn’t align with Japan’s resource situation at the time.

The main idea here is understanding how little oil Japan could produce at home in the late 1930s compared to what it used. Japan had very few domestic oil resources, so only a small share of the oil it consumed was produced domestically—about seven percent. The vast majority came from abroad, making Japan highly dependent on imports for its energy needs. This reliance helped drive strategic decisions to secure oil supplies overseas, influencing the country’s expansionist actions in the region.

So, seven percent fits the historical picture: domestic production covered only a tiny portion of consumption, while the rest had to be imported. The other options would imply a much larger domestic output, which doesn’t align with Japan’s resource situation at the time.