Ep 35. Japanese Expansionism: Manchurian Incident

An Economic History of the World Since 1400 season 1 episode 35 explores Japanese expansionism, specifically the Manchurian Incident in 1931. The episode begins by examining the economic and social conditions of Japan in the 1930s, including the country's rapidly growing population and the impact of the Great Depression on its economy. The episode then focuses on the Manchurian Incident, an event that marked a turning point in Japan's expansionist policies.

The episode provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the Manchurian Incident, including the Mukden Incident, in which Japanese military leaders staged an attack on a Japanese-owned railway in Manchuria and blamed it on Chinese troops. The incident provided a pretext for Japan to launch a full-scale invasion of Manchuria, and the episode explores the political and economic motivations behind Japan's aggression.

The episode also examines the international response to the Manchurian Incident, including the League of Nations' condemnation of Japan's actions and the United States' efforts to broker a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The episode evaluates the long-term impact of the Manchurian Incident on Japan's relations with other countries, including the widening gap between Japan and the Western powers.

Throughout the episode, the show draws on a wide range of sources, including historical documents, archival footage, and interviews with experts in the field. The episode provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at one of the most pivotal moments in Japan's modern history, as well as its wider implications for the global economy and political landscape.