• Event: Japanese occupation of Manchuria and northern China.
• Year: 1931.
• Key Players: Guandong Army, Zhang Zuolin, Jiang Jieshi, Emperor Shōwa, Prime Minister Tanaka Giiji.

Imagine if a group in your school tried to take over the playground by creating a big ruckus, hoping to get the school authorities on their side. Similarly, a faction within the Guandong Army tried to stir trouble in Manchuria.

• Guandong Army Shenanigans
  • They attempted to stir up an excuse (casus belli) to control Manchuria by assassinating its warlord, 'Old Marshal’ Zhang Zuolin in 1928. That's like trying to control the playground by taking down the biggest bully!
  • Why? They feared the unity efforts of Guomindang (GMD) led by Jiang Jieshi. His aim was like someone wanting to unite different school groups under one banner.
• Why Japan was Worried
  • If GMD united China, it'd jeopardize Japan's hold on the South Manchurian Railway (their trade express! 🚂) and trading interests.
  • Western powers backing Jiang Jieshi = Stronger China. Imagine if the rival school's football team got support from professional coaches!
  • Rapidly advancing Soviet Union might become that annoying neighbour who keeps throwing balls into your garden.
  • China, in disarray, was like a big house with a broken fence, easy to get into.
• Assassination Aftermath
  • While this attempt caused an anti-Japanese sentiment, think of it as students getting angry but not fighting back, so the Guandong's plot failed.
  • Emperor Shōwa was like the school principal demanding an explanation for the playground ruckus, causing Prime Minister Tanaka Giiji, an innocent bystander, to "resign from the student council".
• 1931, Here We Go Again
  • Just like that persistent group in school that doesn't give up on the playground, in 1931, the Guandong Army, on their own accord, tried once more to get their hands on Manchuria.