6: GCSE History - the Manchurian Crisis 1931-32

The Manchurian Crisis of 1931

This section provides an introduction to the Manchurian Crisis of 1931, where Imperial Japan invaded the province of Manchuria in China. It explores how the League of Nations dealt with this aggressive action and gives a brief overview of Japanese history leading up to the crisis.

Japanese History and Isolation

• For 1,000 years, Japan was ruled by the Shoguns, hereditary military dictators who isolated Japan from outside contact with the world.

• In 1853, Commodore Perry led an American expedition that forced Japan to open up to trade.

• Japan recognized that Western powers had advanced military technology and made efforts to modernize its economy and infrastructure along Western lines.

Rise of Industrialized Japan

• In 1868, the old Shogunate was overthrown, and Emperor Meiji was restored. Japan developed its economy, education, and industry based on Western models.

• Japan demonstrated its new power by defeating Russia in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905.

• Japan desired its own Asian empire for access to raw materials needed for its manufacturing industry.

Perception as a Threat

• Western powers began seeing Japan as a potential rival due to its industrialization and desire for colonies in Asia.

• Despite supporting the Allies in World War I, Japan was disappointed with what it gained from the Versailles Treaty.

The Invasion of Manchuria

This section focuses on the events leading up to the invasion of Manchuria by Japan in 1931. It highlights the role of the Japanese army and their demonstration of power through incidents like the Mukden Incident.

Power Dynamics in Pre-Invasion Japan

• During the 1920s, there was a civilian democratic government in Japan, but the army held the real power and influenced the civilian government.

• In September 1931, the Japanese army used the Mukden Incident as an excuse to invade Manchuria, claiming their railways and possessions were under threat.

Motives for Invasion

• Japan invaded Manchuria to gain access to raw materials and establish a market for Japanese goods.

• Both China and Japan were members of the League of Nations, posing a challenge for collective security.

The Response of the League of Nations

This section explores how the League of Nations responded to Japan's aggression in Manchuria and whether collective security was effective.

Actions Taken by the League

• The League set up the Lytton Committee to investigate the situation in Manchuria. However, it took a long time for them to travel from Western Europe to Manchuria and make their report.

• By the time the committee made its report, Japan had already completed its conquest of Manchuria.

Weaknesses of League's Response

• The Lytton Committee recommended that Japan should leave Manchuria but did not back it up with any threats or sanctions.

• Japan rejected the League's recommendation and ultimately left the League of Nations.

Weaknesses of the League of Nations

This section discusses why the League of Nations was weak and indecisive in dealing with Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

Double Standards and Disappointment

• Japan argued that it couldn't accept leaving Manchuria as it saw itself as a new empire bringing order and civilization to East Asia.

• The great powers like Britain and France already had foreign empires, which created double standards in their response to Japan's ambitions.

• The League of Nations' weakness and indecisiveness in dealing with the crisis undermined its effectiveness as a collective security organization.

The Impact of the United States' Absence from the League

This section discusses how the absence of the United States from the League of Nations affected its ability to oppose Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

The Role of the United States

• The United States was not a member of the League, making it an absent potential ally in opposing Japan's actions.

• Due to its policy of isolationism, the US did not join the League and remained uninvolved in international conflicts.

• This absence weakened any economic sanctions imposed by Britain, France, and other league powers since the US could simply fill in the trade gap.

Economic Sanctions and Great Depression

• Imposing economic sanctions on Japan would have hurt Britain and France economically during a time when they were already struggling with the Great Depression.

• The USA's ability to fill in the trade gap made these sanctions ineffective.

• Other sympathetic powers, such as Italy and Germany, were also observing events in Manchuria with interest due to their own political agendas.

Weaknesses and Priorities of Britain and France

• Britain was concerned about its military capabilities against Japan and did not want to start a war or risk its East Asian colonies.

• Protecting its empire was a higher priority for Britain than engaging in conflict with Japan.

• France was primarily worried about Germany and did not want to commit foreign troops to a distant conflict that held no strategic interest for them.

Summary

The major powers involved had various weaknesses, concerns, and priorities that prevented them from taking stronger action against Japan. The absence of both the United States and USSR from the League limited potential alliances against Japan. Economic sanctions were hindered by fears of worsening domestic economic conditions. Overall, these factors contributed to a lack of concerted action by Britain and France.

Curiosity of Italy and Germany

This section explores the interest of Italy and Germany in the events unfolding in Manchuria.

• Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, and Germany were both curious about the situation in Manchuria.

• Italy aimed to reverse some terms of the Treaty of Versailles and expand its empire.

• Germany was also interested in seeing how Japan's actions would play out, as it may have implications for their own ambitions.

Reasons for Britain and France's Limited Action

This section examines why Britain and France did not take stronger action against Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

Concerns of Britain

• Britain was militarily not powerful enough to engage in a war with Japan.

• The British Navy was capable but did not want to risk a conflict on two fronts or jeopardize its East Asian colonies.

• Protecting its empire took precedence over fighting Japan.

Concerns of France

• France's primary concern was Germany due to historical reasons.

• Committing foreign troops to a distant conflict in Manchuria held no strategic interest for France.

• They did not want to spend money or potentially lose lives fighting Japan over this issue.

Summary

Britain's concerns about military capabilities and protecting its empire, along with France's focus on Germany, contributed to their limited action against Japan. Both countries had other priorities and saw little strategic value in getting involved in a distant conflict.