How the Soviet Union and China responded to events in the East, leading up to World War II, and the international implications of Japan's expansionist actions in Manchuria.

• Border Concerns
  • The Soviet Union and Manchuria (controlled by Japan) were neighbors.
  • Stalin’s nightmare scenario? Japan inching closer to the Soviet land. Just imagine if your most dreaded neighbor suddenly thought of moving their fence a foot into your yard! 🏡
• China's Communist Propaganda
  • Jiang's (GMD) was attacking the CPC's Red Army BUT wasn't fighting Japanese in Manchuria. Perfect material for a CPC propaganda movie, right? 🎬
  • Think of it like a schoolyard bully (Japan) picking on someone (China's GMD) but that someone keeps bothering their little brother (CPC) instead of confronting the bully.
• War Declaration and Support
  • Mao Zedong had a plan! The Chinese Soviet government went head-on and declared war on Japan in 1932. 📜
  • More backup came in 1935 when the Comintern told all Communist parties to join forces against... well, the bad guys (fascists and Japan).
• Second United Front
  • A 1936 twist! The CPC and GMD joined hands against Japan. Imagine two superheroes who don't get along but team up against a common foe! 🦸‍♂️🦸
  • After this alliance and with Soviet protection on the Manchuria-Soviet border, both China and the Soviet Union were like, "We ain’t moving!"

• Reputation Downfall
  • Japan's actions in Manchuria made the world raise eyebrows. 🤨
  • From being a buddy in the League of Nations, Japan was suddenly the guy no one wanted to sit with. Their aggressive "I want more territory" stance didn’t sit well.
• Consequences for Japan
  • Looking back, the Manchurian Incident seemed like Japan's VIP ticket to isolation. They wanted to be in the "Cool Countries Club" but were acting all rogue. 🎩💥