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causes of Outbreak of WWII in Asia Pacific - Coggle Diagram
causes of Outbreak of WWII in Asia Pacific
Manchurian Crisis 1931
Tarnished prestige of LON – appeared weak and helpless against aggressor nation.
Undermined the confidence of the League’s officials to tackle future crises.
Encouraged Japan to expand into Asia – Manchuria’s location gave it a strong base to expand to China.
Gave Japan access to raw materials and resources for its growing industries.
Increased prominence and influence of ultranationalists and military in Japan – Weakened the civilian politicians.
The Military continued to challenge the civilian politican’s authority and gained more power and influence in government.
Japanese policies became increasingly driven by ideas promoting expansion.
Response of the League of Nations
Feb 1933: Japan announced intention to occupy more of China to defend their territories.
Mar 1933: Lytton reported approved by all except Japan.
Japan proceeded to resign from LON.
LON’s economic sanctions against Japan were useless. Britain did not sanction Japan.
LON did not ban arm sales to Japan, worried that Japan would retaliate and worsen situation.
Britain and France reluctant to risk their armed forces in a war to stop Japan.
Only USA and USSR had enough resources to force Japan to leave Manchuria but they were not members of LON.
Japanese Aggression towards China, 1933 - 1940
Death of Guo Ming Dang (GMD) founder Sun Yat-Sen in 1925 worsened conflict between GMD and the CCP.
Infighting caused instability in China which Japan exploited.
Japan got the warlords to stir up trouble in a region and then invite Japanese troops to restore order.
Led to all-out war.
Response of the League of Nations
China appealed to the LON for helped during invasion of Manchuria.
League’s council passed a resolution for Japan to withdraw its troops.
Japan refused, claimed they were acting in self-defence to maintain peace as China in a state of anarchy.
LON sent a commission to Manchuria to investigate, results released in Lytton Report 1932 – Japan acted unlawfully, needed to return Manchuria to China.
Japan refused.