In short
On September 18, 1931, Japan's Kwantung Army invaded Manchuria, a Chinese region, using a staged railway bombing as justification. Within months, Japan established a puppet government and secured control of territory rich in coal, iron, and agricultural resources—a crucial resource grab for an island nation with limited natural supplies.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
The Empire of Japan's Kwantung Army invaded the Manchuria region of China on 18 September 1931, immediately following the Mukden incident, a false flag event staged by Japanese military personnel as a pretext to invade. At the war's end in February 1932, the Japanese established the puppet state of Manchukuo. The occupation lasted until mid-August 1945, towards the end of the Second World War, in the face of an onslaught by the Soviet Union and Mongolia during the Manchurian Strategic Offensive Operation.
As it was happening
12 voices, 2119 days.
One beat at a time. Click any dot on the timeline to jump, press play for autoplay, or use the arrow keys to step.
Mukden Incident and invasion begins
Japanese officers stage a railway bombing near Mukden; Kwantung Army uses it as pretext to launch full-scale invasion of Manchuria.
Voices from this moment (1)
Mukden Incident and invasion begins
Sep 18
“Japanese officers stage a railway bombing near Mukden;…”
As it was happening
12 voices, 2119 days.
Day 0 · September 18, 1931
Mukden Incident and invasion begins
Japanese officers stage a railway bombing near Mukden; Kwantung Army uses it as pretext to launch full-scale invasion of Manchuria.
“Japanese officers stage a railway bombing near Mukden;…”
- Mukden Incident and invasion begins, Sep 18
Day 1 · September 19, 1931
Rapid military advance
Japanese forces occupy major cities including Jilin and Qiqihar within 24 hours of invasion order.
“The Japanese advance is overwhelming.”
- New York Times dispatch from Mukden, September 25, 1931, Sep 25
“China has committed no aggression.”
- League of Nations petition, September 21, 1931, Sep 21
“While we view this incident with concern, we must recognize…”
- House of Commons remarks, September 1931, Sep 22
“This aggression reveals the bankruptcy of international…”
- Synthesized from period accounts - German and Swiss press interviews, October 1931, Oct 15
“Japanese forces occupy major cities including Jilin and…”
- Rapid military advance, Sep 19
Day 72 · November 29, 1931
League of Nations convenes
League begins hearings on Japanese aggression; produces no concrete sanctions or military response.
“League begins hearings on Japanese aggression; produces no…”
- League of Nations convenes, Nov 29
Day 132 · January 28, 1932
Shanghai Incident
Japanese military attacks Shanghai in secondary operation, drawing international attention and further straining Japan's diplomatic standing.
“Japan has been forced to take this action in self-defense.”
- League of Nations Assembly statement, February 1932, Feb 8
“Japanese military attacks Shanghai in secondary operation,…”
- Shanghai Incident, Jan 28
Day 153 · February 18, 1932
Manchukuo established
Japan declares Manchukuo an independent state with Puyi, the last Qing emperor, as puppet leader; China and most nations refuse recognition.
“Japan declares Manchukuo an independent state with Puyi,…”
- Manchukuo established, Feb 18
Day 556 · March 27, 1933
Japan withdraws from League of Nations
Facing League criticism over Manchuria, Japan formally withdraws, signaling rejection of international governance mechanisms.
“Facing League criticism over Manchuria, Japan formally…”
- Japan withdraws from League of Nations, Mar 27
Day 2119 · July 7, 1937
Second Sino-Japanese War begins
Japan launches full-scale invasion of China proper; Manchuria becomes rear supply base for broader conflict.
“Japan launches full-scale invasion of China proper;…”
- Second Sino-Japanese War begins, Jul 7
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Sources & citations.
Sources
Where this came from.
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Wikipedia
1 source- 1.Japanese invasion of Manchuria
en.wikipedia.org