16 Questions
What region did the Japanese invade in September 1931?
Manchuria
Japan's main export. hit badly by the effects of the depression on international trade.
Silk
Name of the Japanese Emperor
Hirohito
What was the 'Mukden' Incident?
The South Manchurian Railway was sabotaged by Chinese soldiers
What significant mineral resources did Japan want from Manchuria?
Coal and iron
The Civilian Government ordered the Japanese army to seize Manchuria
False
What was Japan's main 'justification' for their invasion of Manchuria?
Defence of the South Manchurian Railway
What was the name of the Japanese army in Southern Manchuria?
The Kwantung Army
Name the commission sent by the League to report on the invasion
The Lytton Commission
The League voted 42-1 to condemn Japan's invasion.
True
What did Japan establish in Manchuria after their invasion?
A puppet state - Manchukuo
True of the Lytton Commission
It reacted slowly - taking a year to submit its findings
Why did Japan leave the League of Nations in March 1933?
It accused the League of hypocrisy
Britain and France were united in their commitment to impose sanctions to force Japan to withdraw from Manchuria.
False
What were the consequences of Japan's invasion of Manchuria for 'internationalism'?
It exposed the weaknesses of the League of Nations
The Manchurian Crisis of 1931–33 demonstrated the futility of the League in the face of a power determined to pursue it's own nationalist agenda.
True
Study Notes
Japan's Invasion of Manchuria and the League of Nations
Manchuria
Manchuria is a region in Northeast China, covering parts of Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces. It bordered the Soviet Union to the northeast, Inner Mongolia to the west, and Korea to the southeast. The region was notable for its rich resources, including coal, iron, lead, zinc, tungsten, and rubber.
Japanese Invasion
The invasion of Manchuria, known as the Mukden Incident, took place on September 18, 1931, when the Japanese army bombed the South Manchurian Railway near Mukden (Shenyang), the capital of Manchukuo. The incident was followed by the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and the establishment of the puppet state Manchukuo, which was under the control of the Imperial Japanese Army.
League of Nations
The League of Nations was an international organization founded in 1920 as a successor to the League of Nations to promote diplomacy and prevent war. It was headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and consisted of 58 founding members. The League of Nations was a forum for countries to discuss international issues and establish norms and standards for international behavior.
Consequences
The invasion of Manchuria had significant consequences for Japan, the League of Nations, and the international community. For Japan, it marked the beginning of an era of expansionism and aggression that led to its eventual defeat in World War II. For the League of Nations, it exposed its weaknesses and ineffectiveness in preventing aggression and maintaining peace, ultimately leading to its dissolution.
Causes
The invasion of Manchuria had several causes, including:
- Resource acquisition: Japan sought to secure resources and expand its empire, which was a major factor in the invasion.
- Nationalism and militarism: Japanese nationalism and militarism played a significant role in the invasion, as the military sought to prove its strength and defend Japan's interest.
- Diplomatic failure: The League of Nations failed to prevent the invasion, as its members were unable to agree on a course of action to stop Japan.
In conclusion, Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 had profound consequences for Japan, the League of Nations, and the international community. The invasion exposed the weaknesses of the League of Nations and marked the beginning of Japan's aggressive expansionism, ultimately leading to its defeat in World War II.
Explore the historical significance of Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and its impact on the League of Nations and international relations. Understand the causes, consequences, and key events related to this pivotal moment in history.
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