Oil was the most important part of it all. Prior to the sanctions, Japan got its oil from the US. Without it, the Japanese military was done for. So now they had to get the oil from Borneo, which would leave their ships vulnerable to attack if the US entered the war. So, the Japanese hit first.
Also, the Japanese Prime Minister was almost assassinated 2 months before Pearl Harbor and his government fell apart. He was replaced by the more warlike Tojo.
The Japanese invasion of Borneo was a debacle, however. Dayaks (headhunters) did not take kindly to little devils blundering around the jungle. The paths were narrow, and could only be navigated on foot. They were picked off. In the seventies, there will still full nets of human skulls hanging in the longhouses, as grim trophies.
Oil was the most important part of it all. Prior to the sanctions, Japan got its oil from the US. Without it, the Japanese military was done for. So now they had to get the oil from Borneo, which would leave their ships vulnerable to attack if the US entered the war. So, the Japanese hit first.
Also, the Japanese Prime Minister was almost assassinated 2 months before Pearl Harbor and his government fell apart. He was replaced by the more warlike Tojo.
At least, that's what I've read in the past. 🤔
The Japanese invasion of Borneo was a debacle, however. Dayaks (headhunters) did not take kindly to little devils blundering around the jungle. The paths were narrow, and could only be navigated on foot. They were picked off. In the seventies, there will still full nets of human skulls hanging in the longhouses, as grim trophies.