In the years leading up to WWII, the US restricted the sale of oil and scrap metal to which country?

In the years leading up to World War II, the United States restricted the sale of oil and scrap metal primarily to Japan. This action was taken as a response to Japan's aggressive military expansion in East Asia, particularly its invasion of China and later movements in the Pacific region. The U.S. government aimed to curb Japan's ability to sustain its military operations by limiting access to vital resources such as oil, which was crucial for the Japanese navy and military machinery, as well as scrap metal needed for their industrial capabilities.

This embargo on essential materials significantly strained U.S.-Japan relations and was a critical factor leading up to the events of Pearl Harbor and the outbreak of war in the Pacific. Understanding this historical context highlights the role of economic measures in international relations during that period and illustrates how resource control can influence the dynamics between nations.