Explain ONE way that imperial aspirations contributed to World War II.

Japanese Imperialism played a role in igniting WWII because Japan wanted to "help" Asians escape western colonial rule so that the Japanese could create an empire in Asia, as soon as they arrived in Asia the U.S. withdrew certain militaristic goods and the Japanese saw this as a threat.

By the eve of World War II, two participants of World War I, Germany and Japan, were slowly gaining power as imperialist countries. Both countries were eager for even greater control and eventually launched a war that resulted in many lost lives and caused waves of chaos throughout the world.

explanation:

japan participated in world war i from 1914 to 1918 in an alliance with entente powers and played an important role in securing the sea lanes in the west pacific and indian oceans against the imperial german navy as the member of the allies.