The Outbreak of War Notes

The Outbreak of War

The Manchurian Crisis: A Turning Point in Japanese Expansion

1. On September 18, 1931, the Mukden Incident occurred when the Kwantung Army staged an explosion on the South Manchurian Railway.
2. This fabricated event provided a pretext for Japan to invade Manchuria, despite orders from Tokyo to avoid escalation.
3. By early 1932, Japan had established the puppet state of Manchukuo, with Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, as its nominal ruler.

The Impact of the Great Depression

1. The Great Depression of 1929 devastated Japan's economy, leading to:
   1. A collapse in exports, particularly silk, which fell to less than one-fifth of its 1923 value.
   2. Widespread poverty and unemployment, affecting over three million people.
   3. Manchuria was seen as a solution to these economic woes, offering:
      1. Raw materials: Coal, iron, and timber.
      2. Living space: For Japan's growing population.
      3. Markets: For Japanese manufactured goods.

Political Instability in China

1. China's internal divisions made it vulnerable to Japanese aggression:
   1. The Guomindang (GMD), led by Jiang Jieshi, focused on defeating the Communists rather than resisting Japan.
   2. The Northern Expedition (1926-1928) aimed to unify China but left the country fragmented and weakened.
   3. The assassination of warlord Zhang Zuolin by the Kwantung Army in 1928 destabilized Manchuria, paving the way for Japanese intervention.

The Rise of Militarism in Japan

1. The Kwantung Army's actions in Manchuria highlighted the growing power of the military, which operated with impunity.
2. Political assassinations, such as the murder of Prime Minister Inukai in 1932, further weakened civilian government control.
3. The military's influence was bolstered by public support, as many Japanese viewed the army as a defender of national interests.

The Sino-Japanese War of 1937

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident

1. On July 7, 1937, a skirmish between Japanese and Chinese troops near Beijing escalated into a full-scale conflict.
2. Unlike the Mukden Incident, this clash was not premeditated, but it quickly spiraled out of control due to the military's autonomy and aggressive stance.