Hitler's strategy, which from a political point of view remains inexplicable for most Western historians, was to strengthen German forces in Western Europe at the expense of those of the Eastern Front.
Hideki Tojo was promoted to lieutenant general in 1936, Tojo became chief of staff of the Kwantung Army in Manchuria, where he worked effectively to mobilize Manchuria's economy and strengthen Japan's military readiness should the war with the Soviet Union erupt.
The Japanese were an absolutely ferocious foe. Near the end of the war 99% of their soldier would perish before they surrendered. If they invaded the homeland of Japan, it was estimated over a million Americans at least would die.
