<span>After World War One, Europe and America sought to rebuild their ecomonies through restrictive trade and high tarriffs. Japan, not being a part of the 'in group' did not benefit by this and the lack of natural resources available to them, including oil and rubber became increasingly problematic in their efforts to grow their economy. Japan wanted to establish a New Order in east Asia in order to increase their sphere of influence so as to better compete with Europe.</span>