Emma Hamlet

10NR

Mr. Quinn

PPQ #16: How did the League of Nations deal with Japan over the Manchurian crisis? (7)
The League of Nations dealt with Japan over the Manchurian crisis in several ways. Some of these were successful but the majority showed the leagues weakness at dealing with problems outside of Europe. An example of this is the Lytton committee. The Lytton sailed round the world to assess the situation in Manchuria for themselves. This is important because Lord Lytton went to Manchuria in April 1932 but did not report until September 1932 (a full year after the invasion). This showed that the league was unable to react quickly to problems. Condemning Japans actions is an additional example. This meant that the League disapproved of Japans actions and said that Manchuria should be returned to the Chinese because Japan acted unlawfully to China. The Japanese government agreed, however the army did not. This showed that the League had no real influence over the decisions they imposed, showing that people no longer feared the league. Sanctions are a fourth example. This is important because the League discussed economic sanctions, but without the USA, Japans main trading partner it would be meaningless. However, Britain seemed more interested in keeping up a good relationship with Japan than in agreeing to the sanctions. Showing that there was a large division between the main members of the League.

Emma Hamlet

10NR

Mr. Quinn

Another example of this is banning arms sales to Japan. This is important because the League also discussed banning arms sales to Japan, but the member countries could not agree about it. They were worried that Japan would retaliate and the war would escalate. Also Britain and France were not willing to risk their navies or armies in a war so far away with Japan. Only the USA and the USSR would have had the resources to remove the Japanese from Manchuria by force and they were not even members of the League Overall, the League of Nations failed at dealing with the invasion of Manchurian crisis. They failed because they did not agree on anything, it took too long to think of solutions and Japan was a permanent member so they could use a veto against any decisions they did not like. Showing that the league was being seen as a joke, rather than an important figure.