Which geographic characteristic of japan most
influenced its decision to engage in imperialism
in the early to mid-20th century?
(1) mountainous terrain
(2) lack of natural resources
(3) abundance of rivers
(4) island location

During the middle of the 20th century, Japan decided to engage into imperialism. The geographic feature or characteristic of Japan that most influenced it for such decision is that it lacks natural resources. Therefore, the answer to this item is number 2.

We have to choose which geographic characteristic of Japan most influenced its imperialism. Japan was mainly importing raw materials from other parts of Asia. There was a lack of sources in Japanese home islands and raw materials ( iron, oil, coal, rubber ) had to be imported. (2) lack of natural resources.