Abyssinia, Manchuria, Disarmament and more in-depth Flashcards
(58 cards)
What did Japan use an excuse to invade Manchuria and when
Chinese troops allegedly attacked the South Manchurian Railway which Japan controlled.
September 1931
Why did Japan want to invade Manchuria (give three reasons)
Japan had no raw materials such as iron and coal, all of theirs was imported from China
Most of Japan is covered in high mountains leaving little space for farm land so Japan also relied on China to import food for its growing population
Japan was feeling the effects of the Great Depression so needed an economical boost
What did China do as soon as they were invaded and what did Japan say in defence
China appealed to the LoN
Japan argued that China were in such a state of anarchy that the only way to keep piece was to invade and they were in-fact acting in self-defence
What was the league’s verdict on the Manchurian crisis and why did it take so long to produce
The League’s verdict was that Japan had acted unlawfully and Manchuria should be returned to China
The leagues officials sailed around the world and there was little urgency so the report was released in September 1932 a year on from the first invasion
What did the British elder Statesman Sir Austen Chamberlain say about the LoN when he visited in 1932
“The assembly was a dead thing. The council was without confidence in itself”
What did Benes (Cz leader) say about the people in the LoN in 1932
“They are too frightened”
What did Japan do after receiving the Leagues’ verdict
In February 1933 they announced intentions to invade more of China
Describe the events in the end of February 1933
On the 24th the report concerning Japan was approved by 42 out of 43 of LoN’s members
On the 27th Japan resigned from the LoN
The next week Japan invaded Jehol
What two responses did the League discuss against Japan and why did they decide against them
Economic sanctions - without USA (Japan’s main trading partner) they would be meaningless
Banning arm sales - Countries couldn’t agree on it and also worried about escalating the situation
Why didn’t the Lon attempt to combat the Manchurian crisis with force
Britain and France were not willing to risk their navies for a war ‘so far away’ that didn’t directly affect them
Only the US and USSR had the military strength to take on Japan
Why was Manchuria significant when discussing future disputes
It showed how easily the LoN could be bullied and Japan was a clear example for Mussolini and Hitler to follow
When did the Disarmament conference begin
February 1932
What resolutions had been made in the Disarmament conference by July 1932
Prohibit bombing of civilian populations
Limit artillery size
Limit tonnage of tanks
Prohibit Chemical Warfare
Why despite seeming promising were the resolutions in the Disarmament conference by July 1932 relatively unsuccessful (give two examples)
Nothing showing how the resolutions would be achieved
Bombing of civilians was prohibited yet attempts to abolish planes capable of bombing were futile
Prohibiting chemical warfare was put forward however the proposal to ban the Manufacture of chemical weapons was defeated
What did Germany want from the Disarmament conference and what did they do in July 1932
Germany proposed all countries disarm to its level
The conference failed to agree this so Germany stormed out in July 1932
When was agreement reached to treat Germany equally
December 1932
Describe the events of the Disarmament conference in 1933 (5 events)
January - Germany rejoined the conference
February - Hitler became chancellor of Germany and began to rearm them secretly
May - Hitler promised not to rearm Ger if in 5 years all countries destroyed their armies
June - Britain drew up an ambitious disarmament plan but it failed
October - Hitler withdrew from the conference
What was Anglo-German Naval Agreement and when was it signed
Signed in June 1935
Allowed Germany to build up its navy to up to 35% of Britain’s even though this violated the ToV and Britain didn’t consult the LoN
Who is Haile Selassie
Abyssinian emperor
What did Mussolini use as an excuse to prepare his army for invasion
In December 1934 there was a dispute between Italian and Abyssinian soldiers at the Wal-Wal oasis (80km inside Abyssinian territory)
Mussolini demanded an apology and began to prepare his army
When did Abyssinia appeal to the LON initially
December 1934
What did France, Britain and Italy sign in 1935 and what did it state
The Stresa Pact
A formal statement against German rearmament and a commitment to stand unite against Germany
What was happening between January and October 1935
Mussolini was supposedly negotiating with the League to settle the dispute
At the same time he was shipping his vast army to Africa
Why were Britain and France ‘playing for time’ with the Abyssinian crisis
They were desperate to keep good relations with Mussolini who seemed to be the strongest potential ally against Hitler
