Manchurian Crisis

Question 1

How did the Great Depression contribute to Japan invading Manchuria in 1931

Answer 1

Japan’s economy was suffering; it needed raw materials and markets. Manchuria provided both.

Question 2

Why did Japan feel justified in invading Manchuria during the Depression?

Answer 2

Japan claimed China was lawless and the invasion was in self-defence to protect their interests.

Question 3

How did economic difficulties in other countries affect their response to the Manchurian Crisis?

Answer 3

Countries like Britain and France were more focused on their own economic problems and reluctant to risk war or trade by confronting Japan.

Question 4

What economic reason made the League unwilling to impose strong sanctions on Japan?

Answer 4

The League feared harming their own economies if Japan retaliated or if they lost trade with Japan.

Question 5

How did the Depression affect the USA’s reaction to the Manchurian Crisis?

Answer 5

The USA supported the League’s judgment but did not take any direct action or impose sanctions.

Question 6

What was one of the main reasons the League was slow to act in Manchuria?

Answer 6

Member nations were unwilling to commit resources or military force due to domestic economic struggles.