Between the Wars — Season 1, Episode 8: America in the Pacific: The Clash of Two Cultures

Episode synopsis

This overview of U.S.-Japanese relationships from the turn of the century until 1933 is a story of conflict. Japan emerged from World War I as a major power, but American diplomats made little effort to understand the Oriental mind. Our Japanese foreign policy, including immigration quotas and protective tariffs, does little to improve relations.

About Between the Wars

This classic series follows the events that sparked the greatest conflict of the century, capturing the drama, the excitement and the ideological juxtapositions of these crucial years. Former CBS News correspondent and commentator Eric Sevareid, one of the world's most respected figures in journalism, presents this extraordinary series featuring stunning original newsreels, soundtracks, and rare archival footage.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Versailles: The First Peace
• E2Return to Isolationism
• E3The First SALT Talks
• E4Radio, Racism and Foreign Policy
• E5The Great Depression and Foreign Affairs
• E6FDR and Hitler: the Rise to Power
• E7FDR and Hitler: The Dynamics of Power
• E9The Recognition of Russia: A Climate of Mutual Distrust
• E10Latin America: Intervention in Our Own Backyard
• E11The Italian-Ethiopian War: Africa in World Affairs
• E12The Spanish Civil War
• E13The Phony War