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Manchuria, in northeast China, was rich in natural resources and suitable for agriculture. Japan had been eyeing this territory for a long time and wanted its resources. The Japanese saw its take-over at the first step to a probable occupation of China. In 1905, Japan had defeated Russia and had taken over Russia’s economic and railway rights in Manchuria in agreement with the peace treaty. The Japanese army, stationed in Manchuria to defend Japan’s interest, had long harboured the thought of conquering the entire Manchuria for Japan. Japan was experiencing problems as its land and natural resources were inadequate. As a result, there were social and economic problems such as scarcity of food, housing and jobs. The army believed that the capture of Manchuria would eradicate these problems for Japan.
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