Manchurian Crisis Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the Manchurian Crisis of 1931, examining Japan's motives, actions, and the ineffective response of the League of Nations.

Japan was ruled by Shoguns for centuries, keeping the country isolated from the world.
In 1853, Commodore Perry forced Japan to open up to international trade, exposing its military weaknesses.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan rapidly modernized its economy and military using Western models.
Japan defeated Russia in the 1905 Russo-Japanese War, showcasing its new power and desire for equal imperial status.
Japan sought to acquire colonies for raw materials like coal, oil, and iron, which it lacked domestically.

In the 1920s, Japan had a civilian government, but the military held true power.
In 1931, the Japanese army used the "Mukden Incident" as a pretext to invade Manchuria, claiming to protect their interests.
Japan's goals in Manchuria were access to resources and new markets for its goods.

Both China and Japan were members of the League, complicating the response.
The League established the Lytton Committee to investigate, but the process was slow, and Japan consolidated control during the delay.
The Lytton Report recommended Japan withdraw, but offered no sanctions or military threats.
In response, Japan withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933.

Major powers like the USSR and USA were not League members, limiting effective opposition to Japan.
The Great Depression made countries reluctant to impose economic sanctions that could hurt their own economies, especially as the US could continue trading with Japan.
Britain feared losing its Asian colonies and did not want military conflict; France prioritized concerns about Germany over distant Asian issues.
Other aggressive powers (Italy and Germany) watched the League's inaction with interest.

Shogun — Hereditary military dictator of Japan who held real power until 1868.
Meiji Restoration — Period in 1868 when the Emperor regained power and Japan modernized.
Manchuria — Northern Chinese province invaded by Japan in 1931 for its resources.
Mukden Incident — Staged event used by Japan as an excuse to invade Manchuria.
Lytton Committee — League of Nations group sent to investigate the Manchurian Crisis.
Collective Security — Principle where countries act together against aggression.

Review textbook sections on the Manchurian Crisis and the failures of the League of Nations.
Prepare answers for discussion: Why did the League fail to act effectively against Japan?