The Kwantung Army

What was the Kwantung army?

The Kwantung army was the Japanese army.

What was the relationship like with the Kwantung army and the government?

The Kwantung army did not have a good relationship with the Japanese government as they felt they could not be trusted to protect Japan because:

• ❖ Terms agreed at the Washington Naval Conference meant Japan would have a smaller navy than both Britain and the USA.
• ❖ They believed the government's policy of friendship with Manchuria was not in the interests of Japan and they should instead invade the territory.

What were the actions of the Kwantung army?

The Kwantung army became more powerful throughout the 1920s and 1930s and they started acting independently of the Japanese government. Their actions included:

• ❖ In 1928 they assassinated the warlord of Manchuria.
• ❖ On the 18th September 1931, they began an invasion of Manchuria.
• ❖ They murdered the Japanese prime minister in 1932. After this army generals dominated the government and their actions became more extreme.