Term Test 2 Flashcards
Nanyo
(Japanese Empire in the Pacific)
Following WWI, Japan took over German Colonies in the Pacific, which were used to create a new Imperial Territory, Nanyo. Under the South Seas Mandate, Japan governed these islands as part of the empire until the U.S. took them over in WWII. Significance is found in its strategic location and the Expansion of the Imperial Japanese Empire.
Chiang Kai-Shek (1887-1915)
“Push to Unify China during the 1920’s”
Shek established Nanjing as Capitol under GMD Rule (Kuomintang), which helped to develop a stronger Military. Shek would undertake sustained military attacks against warlords in the region and ally with Zhang Zuolin. In later years, they would begin fighting against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party). In 1927, Shek solidified a strong central government in Nanjing. When the Kwantung Army invaded Manchuria in 1931, Shek provided little military resistance as he wanted Zuolin forces to be defeated but also recognized his army’s weaknesses.
Nationalist Party in China (GMD)
Also known as the Kuomintang, It was the ruling party of Nanjing under Ching Kai-Shek during the 1900s
ruling all or part of Mainland China from 1928 to 1949. Showed Minimal resistance to the Japanese forces during the invasion of Manchuria as they were focused on defeating the CCP. The CCP defeated them during the Chinese Civil War in 1949-1950, which led to a group of nationalists escaping to Taiwan, where they established an anti-communist government system.
Zhang Zuolin (1875-1928)
China had a weak central government from 1912 to 1927 following the overthrow of the Monarchy. During this period, the warlords began to control large parts of China. Zhang Zuolin was the Warlord in Control of Manchuria from 1913 to 1928. Zhang worked with the Japanese and granted them concessions in Manchuria. Eventually, threatened by GMD forces, Zhang left Bejing but, in the process, was assassinated by Japanese Extremists who wanted Japan to invade Manchuria fully.
Open Door(1899)
A Western and Japanese Imperial System Policy vis a vis China began in 1899 and did not end until 1943. The policy insisted that all nations have equal access to ports open to trade in China. This position set the Americans against the Japanese, who claimed to hold special rights in Manchuria. Japan’s significance is seen in the economic advantages it received from its interests in Manchuria.
Saionji Kinmochi (1849-1940)
Known as the “Last Genro,” it was an unofficial designation given to the generation of elder Japanese Statesmen born in the 1830s and 40s. It was established during the Japanese Government’s developments in the 1910s and 20s. In the early 1930s, Saionji Kinmochi, Ito Hirobumi’s close protege, sought to develop a “National Unity Government. “ He would serve as the Prime Minister of Japan from 1906 to 1908 and 1911 to 1912. Kinmochi was a liberal-minded court noble who helped lead the Seiyukai, an increasing cohesive force in the House of Representatives. Kinmochi cooperated out of conviction as he believed a more inclusive body of men of substance would bring political and social stability to Japan. His significance was his voice in Japanese politics, and it was the most influential in the mid-1920s and early 1930s, calling for the diminished power of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Kwantung Army
A fighting force was created in the Japanese lease territory in China. With their invasion of Manchuria, they became a powerful force of Japanese Imperialism. The Kwantung Army acted with little guidance from Tokyo during a false flag operation. The “Attack on Railroad” in 1931, which in reality was a bomb planted by the Kwantung army themselves, led to a more extensive Japanese invasion. The Kwantung controlled the entire area of Manchuria within a few weeks.
Kita Ikki (1883-1937)
An influential intellectual promoting a radical nationalist vision that would later inspire political terror. In 1919, he articulated his stance in “An Outline Plan for the Reorganization of Japan.” Imperial Loyalism of Uchida while supporting the economic leveling of the political left. They called upon young military officers and civilians to seize power, suspend the constitution, and remake the political structure to unite the emperor and the people. His thoughts led to the failed military coup of 1936 and his execution following it.
South Manchuria Railway
After the Russo-Japanese War, the Japanese took over the land through the South Manchuria Railway.
The railway was involved in the economic, cultural, and political life of Manchuria, sometimes referred to as Japan’s East India Company, but the government entirely owned it. Opening the Open-Air Coal Pit and the steelworks in Manchuko, The Railway was pivotal to the success of the new region and played a large part in day-to-day life as it connected Port Arthur and Darien, two seaports in China.
League of Nations
An organization created following the end of WWI with the primary goal of preventing another global conflict, the League of Nations consisted of Western and Eastern Nations, including Japan. The League’s Significance for Japan was seen in 1932 following the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. The League viewed Japan as violating Global Protocols and Norms established by the League. Lytton Commission was established and challenged Japan’s narrative of invasion. Japan ended up leaving the league in 1932 with a notable speech.
Matsuoka Yosuke (1880-1946)
Matsuoka was the Minister of Foreign Affairs during the early stages of WWII. In 1922, he served as a director of the Manchurian Railway Company. He is known for his defiant speech at the League of Nations in 1933, which ended Japan’s participation in the organization.
Manchukuo
A puppet state of the empire of Japan in China existing from 1932 to 1945. It was founded after the 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria led by the last emperor of China, Puyi, who was seen only as symbolic. It was a called a “Newborn Empire” controlled by the government railway, South Manchuria Railway. Its significance can be seen in Japan’s defiance towards the League of Nations with its establishment and the increasing imperial empire of Japan as it was settled by Japanese “Pioneers”.
Henry Puyi (1906-1967)
Puyi was the Chief Executive of Manchukuo from 1932 to 1945. He served as a figurehead of the region as Japan attempted to provide legitimacy to their new area. Eventually, he was captured by the Russians following the end of WWII and expressed deep sorrow for his actions as emperor while in jail.
Known as the
“The Last Qing Emperor”
Lytton Commission of League of Nations
The creation of this commission represents Western Nation’s reactions to Japan’s invasion of Manchuria. Its report condemned Manchukuo as an illegitimate puppet state. The League called for a conference to demilitarize the region, which led to Japan’s walkout as a member of the League of Nations.
Kishi Nobusuke (1896-1987)
Kishi was a bureaucrat and politician who was prime minister of Japan from 1957 to 1960. He was nicknamed the “Monster of the Showa era” for his exploitative rule of Manchukuo. He was realized following the end of WWII as the U.S. saw him as the pro-American leader for Japan. Instrumental in forming the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
