Because lack of home resources and being so susceptible to the oil embargo is basically what led to Japan wanting an empire in the first place. The prewar US t

Because lack of home resources and being so susceptible to the oil embargo is basically what led to Japan wanting an empire in the first place. The prewar US trade restrictions/ blockade had a lot to do with Japan believing war with the US was inevitable, and that pearl harbor was a smart strategic target while no one expected an attack and while so many eggs were still in one basket.