Manchurian Incident

Definition

The Manchurian Incident, also known as the Mukden Incident, occurred on September 18, 1931, when Japanese military personnel staged an explosion on a railway in Manchuria, China, as a pretext to invade the region. This event marked a critical turning point in the rise of Japanese militarism and expansionism, as it led to the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo and intensified Japan's aggressive foreign policy in East Asia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Manchurian Incident was primarily orchestrated by the Japanese Kwantung Army without the approval of the central government, showcasing the growing influence of military leaders in Japanese politics.
2. In response to the incident, Japan faced condemnation from the League of Nations, which sought to promote international peace and cooperation, but Japan ignored the League's demands for withdrawal.
3. The establishment of Manchukuo was part of Japan's broader plan to expand its territory and secure resources, contributing to its militaristic ideology during the 1930s.
4. The incident set a precedent for future Japanese aggression in Asia, leading to further invasions and conflicts, including the Second Sino-Japanese War starting in 1937.
5. The failure of Western powers to effectively respond to the Manchurian Incident signaled a decline in collective security efforts and encouraged further aggression from Japan.

Review Questions

• How did the Manchurian Incident reflect the growing power of the Japanese military in political decision-making?
  • The Manchurian Incident highlighted how military factions within Japan had begun to operate independently from civilian government authorities. The Kwantung Army orchestrated the attack on the railway without consulting Tokyo, demonstrating that military leaders were increasingly influencing national policy. This incident marked a shift towards militarism in Japan, where decisions regarding expansion and foreign aggression were increasingly made by military leaders rather than elected officials.
• What were the international reactions to the Manchurian Incident, and how did they impact Japan's subsequent actions?
  • Following the Manchurian Incident, Japan faced widespread condemnation from international bodies like the League of Nations, which demanded its withdrawal from Manchuria. However, Japan's refusal to comply demonstrated its disregard for international opinion and treaties. This lack of effective consequences encouraged Japan to continue its aggressive expansionist policies throughout Asia, leading to further military actions and conflict.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Manchurian Incident on East Asia and global relations leading up to World War II.
  • The Manchurian Incident had profound long-term consequences for East Asia and global relations as it marked a significant escalation in Japanese militarism and imperial ambition. The establishment of Manchukuo created instability in Northeast Asia, fostering resentment among Chinese populations and leading to increased tensions that would eventually escalate into full-scale conflict during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Furthermore, this incident revealed weaknesses in international diplomatic efforts and collective security mechanisms, setting a dangerous precedent that emboldened not only Japan but also other aggressive powers leading up to World War II.

Related terms

Mukden: A city in Manchuria where the initial explosion took place, leading to the justification for Japan's invasion.

Manchukuo: A puppet state established by Japan in Manchuria after the invasion, claiming to be an independent nation but heavily controlled by the Japanese military.

Kwantung Army: The Japanese army stationed in Manchuria that played a key role in executing the invasion and subsequent occupation of the region.