Sino-Japanese War

Question 1

Why did Japan invade Manchuria?

Answer 1

• Wanted to free themselves of dependance of foreign states
• Japan feared USSR would take Manchuria and spread communism
• Japan had highly developed industry but few natural resources
• China had an abundance of natural resources, especially Manchuria
• During 1929-30 depression Western countries bought less imports, Japan was losing money
• Most of Asia was under western influence so they could stop delivers of good and materials
• Japan’s leadership was quite Medieval and Imperialistic
• Japan’s 20th Century policy was to build an Asian Empire
• Japanese saw Chinese as racially inferior
• By setting up a puppet-state in Manchuria (Manchuko) under former Chinese Emperor Puyi, Japan hoped to slowly colonise the state

Question 2

Timeline of Early Events (1920-1930)

Answer 2

• Mid 1920’s; Japan controlled Shandong (Versailles Treaty) and had influence over Manchuria (friends with Zhang Zoulin) but had promised the Washington Naval Conference in 1922 to observe Chinese sovereignty
• 1928-30; Agression: GMD defeating Zoulin threatened Japan’s influence and Japan needed an are of settlement and food resources for its growing population (Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere)

Question 3

Timeline of Early Events (1930-1935)

Answer 3

• 18th September 1931; Mukden Incident: Divided over how China should be dealt with, Japanese officers in the Guangdong Army in Manchuria blew up railway to blame the Chinese so as to justify harsh treatment
• 1932-33; Tokyo was reluctant to support the Guangdong but the army acted without orders so Tokyo gave in
• February 1932; Shanghai: 5 Japanese moms attacked, Japanese declared ‘Act of Aggression’ and bombed the city, international outrage forced them to withdraw
• 1933; League of Nations condemned actions so Japan withdrew from League
• May 1933; Treaty of Tanggu: Chiang gave Japan Manchuria, parts of Inner Mongolia and Hebei