Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The making of modern China, 1860–1997 - 3 The Japanese threat, 1931–41:…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997 - 3 The Japanese threat, 1931–41: The significance of the Manchurian Crisis of 1931–33; Jiang Jieshi’s (Chiang Kai-shek) response; the loss of Manchuria and conflict in Shanghai; the treaty of Tanggu.
The Manchurian Crisis (1931–33) was a major turning point in Sino-Japanese relations, exposing the weakness of the League of Nations and the fragility of Chinese unity.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Manchurian Crisis (1931–33) was a major turning point in Sino-Japanese relations, exposing the weakness of the League of Nations and the fragility of Chinese unity. Japan’s Kwantung Army fabricated the Mukden Incident to justify seizing Manchuria, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo. Jiang Jieshi’s response prioritised internal stability, avoiding full-scale war with Japan while continuing to suppress the Chinese Communists. The loss of Manchuria was a severe blow to Chinese sovereignty and economy. Conflict spread to Shanghai in 1932, causing significant civilian casualties and international outcry. The Treaty of Tanggu (1933) formalised Japanese control over parts of northern China, further undermining Chinese authority. The crisis highlighted the failure of collective security and intensified Chinese nationalism.
What earns the marks
- Explains the causes and course of the Manchurian Crisis, including the Mukden Incident and the establishment of Manchukuo.
- Analyses Jiang Jieshi’s response: his policy of non-resistance against Japan and focus on eliminating communist opposition.
- Describes the loss of Manchuria and its economic and strategic significance for China.
- Details the conflict in Shanghai (1932) and its impact on Sino-Japanese relations and international opinion.
- Assesses the significance of the Treaty of Tanggu (1933) in legitimising Japanese aggression and weakening Chinese sovereignty.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming Jiang Jieshi actively resisted Japan in Manchuria.
Put it right: Explain his policy of non-resistance and prioritisation of internal unification.
Confusing the Mukden Incident with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
Put it right: Clarify that the Mukden Incident (1931) triggered the Manchurian Crisis, while the Marco Polo Bridge Incident (1937) began full-scale war.
Overlooking the Shanghai conflict of 1932.
Put it right: Include the January 28 Incident and its significance in demonstrating Japanese military reach.
Exam tips
- Ensure you cover all parts of the statement: significance, Jiang’s response, loss of Manchuria, Shanghai conflict, and the Treaty of Tanggu.
- Use precise dates and terms, such as the Mukden Incident and Manchukuo, to show detailed knowledge.
- When discussing significance, link to broader themes like the failure of the League of Nations and the rise of Chinese nationalism.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 38.2: The making of modern China, 1860–1997 - 3 The Japanese threat, 1931–41: The significance of the Manchurian Crisis of 1931–33; Jiang Jieshi’s (Chiang Kai-shek) response; the loss of Manchuria and conflict in Shanghai; the treaty of Tanggu. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which event in September 1931 gave Japan a pretext to occupy Manchuria?
Listen
The Manchurian Crisis (1931–33) was a major turning point in Sino-Japanese relations, exposing the weakness of the League of Nations and the fragility of Chinese unity. Japan’s Kwantung Army fabricated the Mukden Incident to justify seizing Manchuria, establishing the puppet state of Manchukuo. Jiang Jieshi’s response prioritised internal stability, avoiding full-scale war with Japan while continuing to suppress the Chinese Communists. The loss of Manchuria was a severe blow to Chinese sovereignty and economy. Conflict spread to Shanghai in 1932, causing significant civilian casualties and international outcry. The Treaty of Tanggu (1933) formalised Japanese control over parts of northern China, further undermining Chinese authority. The crisis highlighted the failure of collective security and intensified Chinese nationalism. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains the causes and course of the Manchurian Crisis, including the Mukden Incident and the establishment of Manchukuo. Analyses Jiang Jieshi’s response: his policy of non-resistance against Japan and focus on eliminating communist opposition. Describes the loss of Manchuria and its economic and strategic significance for China. Details the conflict in Shanghai (1932) and its impact on Sino-Japanese relations and international opinion. A common slip: Assuming Jiang Jieshi actively resisted Japan in Manchuria. Instead, Explain his policy of non-resistance and prioritisation of internal unification. Exam tip: Ensure you cover all parts of the statement: significance, Jiang’s response, loss of Manchuria, Shanghai conflict, and the Treaty of Tanggu.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Kwantung Army fabricated the Mukden Incident
- 2. Treaty of Tanggu formalised Japanese control over northern China
- 3. Conflict spread to Shanghai causing civilian casualties
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