Setting the Scene

Part of Manchuria Crisis · Section 1 of 13

IntroductionUnit: Conflict and Tension 1918-1939GCSE

This introduction covers Setting the Scene within Manchuria Crisis for GCSE History. Revise Manchuria Crisis in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 1 of 13 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

📖 Setting the Scene

September 18, 1931. An explosion damages the Japanese-owned South Manchurian Railway near Mukden. Japan claims Chinese saboteurs are responsible and uses this as an excuse to invade the entire region — an area three times the size of Britain. The explosion was almost certainly staged by Japanese army officers. China appealed to the League of Nations. What followed exposed the League as a "paper tiger" — lots of words, no action. The Lytton Report condemned Japan in October 1932; the League formally voted in February 1933; Japan simply walked out in March 1933. Manchuria remained in Japanese hands, renamed "Manchukuo."

▶ Manchuria Crisis - History Matters (4 mins)

Practice questions for Manchuria Crisis

What was the Mukden Incident of September 1931?

  • A. Chinese troops attacked the Japanese garrison at Mukden, beginning the war
  • B. A staged explosion on the South Manchurian Railway used by Japan as a pretext to invade Manchuria
  • C. The League of Nations passed a resolution condemning Japan's aggression at Mukden
  • D. Japan formally declared war on China after clashes at the Mukden garrison
1 markfoundation

What was 'Manchukuo', created by Japan in 1932?

  • A. A Japanese province annexed directly into the Japanese Empire after the conquest of Manchuria
  • B. A League of Nations administered territory placed under international supervision after Japan's invasion
  • C. A puppet state in Manchuria with China's last emperor Pu Yi installed as a figurehead ruler
  • D. A Chinese nationalist government set up to resist Japanese occupation of Manchuria
1 markfoundation

Quick recall flashcards

What was Manchukuo?
Puppet state created by Japan in Manchuria with Pu Yi as figurehead
What was the Mukden Incident?
Sept 1931 — staged explosion on railway gave Japan excuse to invade Manchuria

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Timeline of the Manchurian Crisis

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