JAPANESE INVASION OF CHINA, 1937



THE SEARCH FOR NATURAL RESOURCES


As a result of the Versailles Treaty Japan received Pacific Islands, which it had occupied as mandates from the League of Nations, because the emperor was a charter member of the League of Nations. Kiachow was also given to Japan , but it was restored to China in 1922.

Japan had a quest for expansion because they were running out of land, and natural resources. Japan occupied Manchuria in the late 1920’s, but they were not recognized by the League of Nations. They dropped out of the League of Nations as a result of this.

On July 7, 1937 Japan invaded China through the Marco Polo Bridge near Peking. Troops that came south from Manchuria conquered northern China. Japanese troops advanced from the north and east to capture eastern and southern China. Japanese Navy had almost a complete blockade of the coast while this was going on.

Japan captured the following major Chinese cities: Shanghai, Soochow, Nanking, Tsingtao, Canton, and Hankow. Japan forced all of the Chinese army to the western mountains. The Chinese army held their position through guerrilla warfare. Japan never completely conquered China, and when Japan was defeated all land was given back.

By Steve "The Stork" Durr

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