Manchurian Crisis Flashcards
Why did Japan want Manchuria?
- Wall St Crash had caused worldwide economic problems, trade in decline and growing Japanese population meant increased poverty and unrest
- Manchuria would provide raw materials, space for population and trade markets
In September 1931, where in Manchuria did the Japanese claim there had been an explosion?
On the railway line at Mukden (gave Japanese army an excuse to invade)
Who led the commission set up to investigate Japan/Manchuria?
Lord Lytton
How long did the commission take to report back and what did they say?
1 year - Japanese invasion was condemned and said Manchuria should govern itself
What did Japan do after this report was issued?
- Re-organised Manchuria and called it Manchukuo (claimed independent but still controlled by Japan)
- By early 1933 took over the whole of Manchuria
- Later in 1933 left the League
Why were trade sanctions not used against Japan by the League?
Discussed but USA was Japan’s main trading partner (they weren’t in the League)
Why did GB not want to get involved in Manchuria?
Not prepared to risk naval fleet against Japanese in the Far East (too far away to be concerned)
Why was the world wide depression important in Manchuria?
Lots of countries were suffering from economic depressions so did not want to get involved, they had their own worries (wanted to protect trade in Far East)
Why did the largest power (Russia) close to Japan not take action?
Not in the League at this time (joined in 1934)
What impact did the Manchurian Crisis have upon other countries thinking about taking over land?
The League’s failure was noted by Mussolini and Hitler who realised the League was not strong enough to take any real action to stop an aggressive country
