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Study Guide: The Japanese Invasion of Manchuria (1931)

Cheat Sheet:
The Japanese Invasion of Manchuria (1931) Study Guide

Origins and Pretexts of the Invasion

The official Japanese narrative asserted that the Mukden Incident of September 18, 1931, constituted a genuine act of aggression by Chinese forces against Japanese railway property.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Mukden Incident was a false flag operation staged by Japanese military personnel to serve as a pretext for the invasion, not a genuine act of Chinese aggression.

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The Wanpaoshan incident, a dispute concerning irrigation, was a principal catalyst for the Japanese invasion, resulting in substantial immediate casualties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Wanpaoshan incident, while fueling anti-Chinese sentiment among Japanese extremists, was minor in casualties and not a direct catalyst for the invasion itself, which was triggered by the Mukden Incident.

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Prior to the invasion, Zhang Xueliang's policies fostered increased Japanese influence in Manchuria by aligning more closely with Japanese interests.

Answer: False

Explanation: Zhang Xueliang's alignment with the Nationalist government in 1928 led to a decrease, not an increase, in Japanese influence in Manchuria.

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The September 18th Incident is synonymous with the Wanpaoshan incident, both involving disputes over land use.

Answer: False

Explanation: The September 18th Incident (Mukden Incident) was a staged bombing, while the Wanpaoshan incident involved an irrigation dispute. They are distinct events.

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The Huanggutun incident involved the assassination of Zhang Xueliang, which subsequently led to increased Japanese influence in Manchuria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Huanggutun incident involved the assassination of Zhang Zuolin, not Zhang Xueliang. This event preceded Zhang Xueliang's alignment with the Nationalist government.

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What event served as the immediate pretext for the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1931?

Answer: The Mukden Incident, a staged bombing.

Explanation: The Mukden incident, a false flag operation staged by Japanese military personnel, provided the immediate pretext for the invasion of Manchuria.

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What was the described effect of the Wanpaoshan incident in the period preceding the invasion?

Answer: It fueled anti-Chinese sentiment among Japanese extremists, promoting an aggressive policy.

Explanation: Although minor in casualties, the Wanpaoshan incident was exploited by Japanese extremists to inflame anti-Chinese sentiment and advocate for a more aggressive policy in Manchuria.

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Whose actions prior to the invasion significantly diminished Japanese influence in Manchuria?

Answer: Zhang Xueliang

Explanation: Zhang Xueliang's alignment with the Nationalist government in 1928 progressively diminished Japan's influence in Manchuria.

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The Huanggutun incident of 1928 resulted in the assassination of which significant political figure?

Answer: Zhang Zuolin

Explanation: The Huanggutun incident involved the assassination of the Chinese warlord Zhang Zuolin.

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What was the principal strategic role of the South Manchuria Railway during the invasion?

Answer: It was a key strategic asset for Japan, and the Mukden incident occurred near its tracks.

Explanation: The South Manchuria Railway was a crucial strategic asset for Japan, and the Mukden incident, the invasion's pretext, occurred near its tracks.

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The 'Manchurian question,' a focal point for radical Japanese groups, involved:

Answer: Asserting direct Japanese control over Manchuria for resources and strategic interests.

Explanation: Radical Japanese groups focused on the 'Manchurian question,' advocating for direct Japanese control to secure resources and counter Chinese nationalism.

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The Invasion and Military Operations

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria, known as Manshū Jihen, concluded within approximately two weeks in late 1931.

Answer: False

Explanation: The invasion commenced on September 18, 1931, and lasted until February 27, 1932, spanning over five months.

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The Kwantung Army functioned primarily as a defensive contingent in Manchuria, possessing limited offensive capabilities and autonomy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kwantung Army was the primary offensive force and operated with significant autonomy, often disregarding central government directives.

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The Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation, launched in 1945, was a Japanese military campaign aimed at securing vital resources.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation was a Soviet and Mongolian campaign in August 1945 that ended the Japanese occupation.

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The Nenjiang railroad bridge was dynamited by Japanese troops to impede the retreat of Chinese forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Troops loyal to General Ma Zhanshan dynamited the Nenjiang railroad bridge to obstruct the advance of Japanese forces.

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What is the Japanese designation for the invasion of Manchuria?

Answer: Manshū Jihen (満州事変)

Explanation: The Japanese name for the invasion of Manchuria is Manshū Jihen (満州事変).

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The Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation of August 1945 was executed by which military forces?

Answer: Soviet Union and Mongolia against Japanese forces.

Explanation: The Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation was a Soviet and Mongolian campaign that led to the end of Japanese occupation in Manchuria.

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According to the provided data, what was the estimated strength of the Japanese forces during the invasion?

Answer: Ranging from 30,000 to 60,450 men.

Explanation: Estimates place the strength of the Japanese forces engaged in the invasion between 30,000 and 60,450 personnel.

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What action did General Ma Zhanshan's forces undertake at the Nenjiang railroad bridge?

Answer: They dynamited the bridge to hinder Japanese troop movement.

Explanation: General Ma Zhanshan's forces dynamited the Nenjiang railroad bridge to obstruct the advance of Japanese troops.

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Political and Diplomatic Ramifications

The immediate political consequence of the Japanese invasion was the establishment of an independent Republic of Manchuria, free from Japanese influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: The immediate political outcome was the establishment of Manchukuo, a Japanese puppet state, not an independent republic free from Japanese influence.

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The Lytton Commission, convened by the League of Nations, recommended the formal recognition of Manchukuo as a sovereign state.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lytton Commission recommended against recognizing Manchukuo and advocated for the restoration of Manchuria to Chinese sovereignty.

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Japan responded to the Lytton Commission's findings by enhancing its cooperation with the League of Nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Finding the Lytton Commission's recommendations unacceptable, Japan withdrew entirely from the League of Nations.

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The Japanese invasion of Manchuria served to bolster the authority and international standing of the League of Nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The invasion critically undermined the League of Nations' authority, demonstrating its inability to deter aggression by major powers.

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As a direct consequence of the invasion, Manchuria was formally annexed by Japan and integrated into its national territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: Manchuria was not directly annexed but became the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo.

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The Tanggu Truce, signed in 1933, formally initiated a state of declared war between China and Japan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tanggu Truce effectively ended the major hostilities of the invasion, establishing a demilitarized zone, rather than declaring war.

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Japan's defiance of the League of Nations and subsequent withdrawal resulted in strengthened international alliances for Japan.

Answer: False

Explanation: Japan's actions led to international condemnation and isolation, not strengthened alliances.

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The League of Nations' perceived inaction concerning the Manchurian invasion emboldened Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini to pursue their own expansionist agendas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The League's failure to effectively counter Japanese aggression signaled to other expansionist powers that they could act with impunity.

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The Tanggu Truce officially recognized Japanese sovereignty over Manchuria and the puppet state of Manchukuo.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tanggu Truce established a demilitarized zone and ended major hostilities but did not formally recognize Japanese sovereignty over Manchuria.

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What was the principal political outcome of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria?

Answer: The establishment of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo.

Explanation: The primary political consequence of the invasion was the creation of Manchukuo, a state controlled by Japan, in February 1932.

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What was the principal conclusion of the Lytton Commission concerning the state of Manchukuo?

Answer: It concluded that Manchukuo should not be recognized and Manchuria returned to Chinese sovereignty.

Explanation: The Lytton Commission concluded that Manchukuo should not be recognized and recommended the restoration of Manchuria to Chinese sovereignty.

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What was Japan's official response to the findings of the Lytton Commission?

Answer: Japan withdrew from the League of Nations.

Explanation: Finding the Lytton Commission's recommendations unacceptable, Japan withdrew entirely from the League of Nations.

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What was the Tanggu Truce, concluded on May 31, 1933?

Answer: An agreement establishing a demilitarized zone and ending major hostilities between China and Japan.

Explanation: The Tanggu Truce established a demilitarized zone and effectively concluded the primary phase of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria.

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What was the significance of the Tanggu Truce concerning China's territorial integrity?

Answer: It was seen as a concession that undermined China's territorial integrity by establishing a demilitarized zone.

Explanation: The Tanggu Truce, by establishing a demilitarized zone, was widely regarded as a concession that compromised China's territorial integrity.

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Internal Japanese Dynamics

The Japanese Kwantung Army meticulously adhered to directives from the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters to contain the Mukden incident.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kwantung Army, under General Shigeru Honjō, expanded operations beyond the directives of the Imperial General Headquarters, disregarding the policy of localization.

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The concept of 'gekokujō,' signifying 'the ruler overthrows the ruled,' accurately characterizes the relationship between the Japanese central government and the Kwantung Army during the invasion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gekokujō describes subordinates acting against superiors. The Kwantung Army's unauthorized actions against the central government's directives exemplified this concept, but the phrase 'ruler overthrows the ruled' is an inversion; it's subordinates (the 'ruled' in a hierarchy) acting against superiors (the 'rulers').

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The Great Depression's impact on Japan was minimal, leaving the nation economically stable and thus not a significant factor in the decision to invade Manchuria.

Answer: False

Explanation: Japan faced a severe economic crisis due to the Great Depression, and Manchuria was viewed as a crucial economic 'lifeline'.

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The conquest of Manchuria was met with widespread public disapproval within Japan, leading to significant anti-war protests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conquest of Manchuria was extremely popular in Japan, generating widespread 'war fever' and public support.

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Dissenting opinions regarding the invasion were prevalent and widely supported among prominent figures in Japanese society.

Answer: False

Explanation: While dissenting voices existed, they constituted a minority and did not receive widespread support among prominent figures.

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The Japanese government officially sanctioned and ordered the Kwantung Army's actions from the inception of the Mukden Incident.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kwantung Army acted with significant autonomy, often exceeding or acting contrary to the directives of the central Japanese government.

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Which military entity operated with significant autonomy, frequently disregarding directives from the central Japanese government during the invasion?

Answer: The Kwantung Army.

Explanation: The Kwantung Army, stationed in Manchuria, acted with considerable autonomy and often defied orders from Tokyo, demonstrating the principle of gekokujō.

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In the context of the Manchurian invasion, what does the Japanese concept of 'gekokujō' signify?

Answer: Insubordination or rebellion by subordinates against their superiors.

Explanation: Gekokujō signifies 'the low overturns the high,' describing subordinates acting against their superiors' directives, as exemplified by the Kwantung Army's actions.

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The severe economic crisis in Japan during the Great Depression influenced the decision to invade Manchuria, as the region was perceived as:

Answer: An economic 'lifeline' rich in natural resources.

Explanation: Manchuria, rich in natural resources, was perceived as a critical economic 'lifeline' to alleviate Japan's severe economic hardships during the Great Depression.

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What term denotes the widespread nationalistic fervor and public endorsement of the Manchurian invasion within Japan?

Answer: War fever

Explanation: The term 'war fever' describes the intense nationalistic enthusiasm and public support for the invasion, viewing Manchuria as vital for Japan's economic survival.

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The response of the Japanese Communist Party to the invasion was characterized by:

Answer: Denunciation of the invasion and an anti-war campaign.

Explanation: The Japanese Communist Party condemned the invasion and initiated an anti-war campaign, though it achieved limited success.

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Chinese Resistance and Aftermath

The primary belligerents in the Manchurian conflict were the Empire of Japan and the Republic of China, with minimal involvement from other significant actors.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Japan and the Republic of China were the main entities, the conflict also involved the Kwantung Army, the puppet state of Manchukuo, and various Chinese Volunteer Armies.

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Western casualty estimates for the Japanese forces during the invasion were significantly higher than those for Chinese forces.

Answer: False

Explanation: Western estimates indicated approximately 10,000 Japanese fatalities and an estimated 50,000 military and civilian deaths on the Chinese side.

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Following Japan's occupation, Chinese public enterprises were systematically dissolved and entirely supplanted by private Japanese businesses.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chinese public enterprises were taken over and converted into state-owned entities under the Manchukuo government, consolidating Japanese economic control.

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General Ma Zhanshan is identified as a Chinese collaborator who actively assisted the Japanese Kwantung Army in suppressing resistance.

Answer: False

Explanation: General Ma Zhanshan was a prominent Chinese leader who actively resisted the Japanese invasion, becoming a national hero for his actions.

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The 'Peoples Preservation Committee' in Liaoning province declared the province's secession from China, aligning with Japanese objectives.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the flight of the provincial government, this committee was formed and declared secession, aligning with Japanese aims.

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Based on Western assessments documented in the source, what were the approximate casualty figures?

Answer: 10,000 Japanese dead and 50,000 Chinese dead.

Explanation: Western claims estimated approximately 10,000 Japanese fatalities and an estimated 50,000 military and civilian deaths on the Chinese side.

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The transformation of Chinese public enterprises into state-owned entities under Manchukuo facilitated:

Answer: Consolidate Japanese economic control over the region.

Explanation: The conversion of Chinese public enterprises into state-owned entities under Manchukuo served to consolidate Japanese economic control and integrate the region into Japan's economic sphere.

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Identify a prominent Chinese leader who actively resisted the Japanese invasion.

Answer: Ma Zhanshan

Explanation: General Ma Zhanshan was a key Chinese leader who actively resisted the Japanese invasion, notably at the Nenjiang Bridge.

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The term 'Pacification of Manchukuo' refers to:

Answer: The campaign to suppress ongoing resistance and guerrilla warfare after the occupation.

Explanation: The 'Pacification of Manchukuo' denotes the sustained campaign undertaken by Japan to quell persistent resistance, including guerrilla warfare, subsequent to the initial occupation.

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How did the casualty figures reported by the Chinese Nationalist Government compare to Western estimates?

Answer: Nationalist claims were lower for Chinese casualties than Western claims.

Explanation: The Chinese Nationalist Government's investigation reported lower figures for Chinese casualties compared to Western estimates.

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The formation of the 'Peoples Preservation Committee' in Liaoning province signified:

Answer: The province's secession from China in alignment with Japanese goals.

Explanation: The 'Peoples Preservation Committee' declared Liaoning province's secession from China, aligning with Japanese strategic aims.

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Broader Context and Ideology

The concept of the 'Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere' articulated:

Answer: An imperial concept promoted by Japan envisioning a bloc of Asian nations led by itself.

Explanation: The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was an imperialistic concept proposing a bloc of Asian nations under Japanese leadership, ostensibly free from Western influence.

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