The Japanese invasion of Manchuria, 1931
Japan’s Invasion of Manchuria (1931)
1. What happened?
2. Who was involved?
3. When did it happen?
4. Where did it happen?
5. Why did Japan invade?
6. How did it happen?
1. What happened?
- In September 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria, a resource-rich region in northeast China.
- The invasion was staged following the Mukden Incident (a railway explosion blamed on Chinese forces, but likely orchestrated by Japan as a pretext).
- Japan quickly seized control of Manchuria, setting up a puppet state called Manchukuo in 1932.
2. Who was involved?
- Japan: The Kwantung Army (part of the Japanese military) acted independently but was later supported by the Japanese government.
- China: Weak and divided, the Chinese government was unable to mount an effective military
- League of Nations: Tasked with maintaining international peace, but struggled to respond effectively.
3. When did it happen?
- Invasion began: September 1931 (Mukden Incident: 18th September).
- Manchukuo established: Early 1932.
- The League's investigation/report spanned 1932-1933.
4. Where did it happen?
- Manchuria, northeastern China. Strategic due to its resources (coal, iron, farmland) and proximity to Japanese-controlled Korea.
5. Why did Japan invade?
- Economic Motives: The Great Depression hit Japan hard; Manchuria’s resources offered economic relief. (Japan’s silk trade was very badly hit by US tariffs)
- Expansionist Policy: Japan’s military leaders sought to build an empire and saw Manchuria as vital for living space and raw materials.
- Weak Chinese government: Seen as an easy target.
- Military Ambitions: The Kwantung Army acted aggressively, with little restraint from Tokyo.
6. How did it happen?
- The Mukden Incident was used as a justification. (Japan blamed damage to the South Manchurian railway on China)
- Japanese troops occupied key cities and railways.
- The Chinese army retreated rather than confront Japan directly. Japan installed Pu Yi, the last Chinese emperor, as a puppet ruler of Manchukuo.
How did the League respond?
What did the League do well?
How did the League fall short in its response to the invasion?
What did the League do well?
- Investigated thoroughly: Sent the Lytton Commission to assess the situation (1932).
- Condemned Japan: The League's report was detailed and balanced but declared that Japan's actions were unjustified and Manchuria should be returned to China.
- Demonstrated that aggression would not be accepted in principle.
- Attempted to act through diplomacy rather than war.
- It was supported 42-1 in the League Assembly (Only Japan voting against)
How did the League fall short in its response to the invasion?
- Very slow response: The Lytton Report took over a year to complete, giving Japan time to consolidate its control.
- No sanctions imposed – economic sanctions were discussed as was the banning or arms sales – but neither agreed / imposed.
- No enforcement power: The League had no military force and relied on member states to impose sanctions or take action.
- Major powers uncooperative: Britain and France were reluctant to act (focused on their own economic problems, didn't want to risk conflict).
- Japan simply left the League in 1933, showing the League’s inability to handle defiant aggressors.
