Manchuria, 1931

What was the Mukden incident?

The Japanese had ambitions to take over Manchuria, and used the Mukden incident as an excuse to launch an invasion.

Why did the Mukden incident happen?

Japan wanted to expand its borders into Manchuria but needed a reason to do so; the Mukden incident proved perfect.

Where did the Mukden incident happen?

The Mukden incident happened on the South Manchurian railway.

What were the key events in the Mukden incident?

There were 5 key events:

• ❖ On 18th September, 1931, there was an explosion on a Japanese-owned railway in South Manchuria.
• ❖ The Japanese blamed the Chinese, saying the train had been attacked by Chinese soldiers. However, the Japanese had set off the explosion themselves.
• ❖ The Chinese government denied any involvement, stating all its soldiers were asleep at the time.
• ❖ In 'retaliation', the Kwantung army invaded Manchuria.
• ❖ Japan renamed Manchuria as Manchukuo, and put former Chinese emperor Pu Yi in charge. He was a puppet ruler, controlled by the Japanese army.

Who was involved in the Mukden incident?

The Kwantung, or Japanese army, were behind the Mukden incident.

What were the results of the Mukden incident?

This Mukden incident resulted in Japan invading Manchuria and triggering an international crisis.