The Manchurian Crisis Flashcards
The Manchurian Crisis took place between which years?
1931-1933.
Why did Japan feel the need to expand its economy/empire to Manchuria?
The Wall Street Crash had caused devastation to Japan’s economy, it needed to pick its economy up again. Manchuria was rich in natural resources and raw materials, therefore it was the perfect place to expand into.
What excuse did Japan use to expand into Manchuria?
Japan claimed that Chinese troops had sabotaged a Japanese Railway. They then invaded Manchuria. The invasion was successful.
Why did China appeal for help to the League of Nations?
China was in the middle of a civil war; it was unable to defend Manchuria.
What did the League send to investigate the crisis? Why wasn’t this successful?
They sent the Lytton Commission to investigate the crisis.
They Lytton Commission took over a year to investigate the crisis, giving Japan ample time to finalise the invasion and completely take over.
Which sanctions did the League impose upon Japan? And how did Japan respond?
The League morally condemned the Japanese and ordered them to withdraw from Manchuria. The Japanese ignored this condemnation and left the League in 1933.
What were the results of this crisis?
The League had proved that it was useless at solving disputes because it took so long to investigate the crisis.
Britain and France were unwilling to support the League in taking action against the Japanese, making the League look untrustworthy.
The League had also failed to prevent aggression, this encouraged later aggression by Italy.
