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Depression Brings a Collapse of Diplomacy

 Caused by the weakened state of nations like Germany and Britain.

 War debts, deficits, and turmoil played a role as well.

 Nations were no longer willing to easily co-operate with other nations.

Manchuria 1931-33

  Japan became largest industrial power in Asia Economy based on exports to foreign countries   The collapse of world markets/higher tariffs caused a huge economic disaster in Japan Led to demands that the government protect Japan from the failures of liberal capitalism.

Manchuria 1931-33

  Japan's alternative was to take over the Chinese province of Manchuria – held a vast wealth of natural resources Easy because Japan already had economic investments in the region  Civil War in China resulted in a warlord in Manchuria.

Manchuria 1931-33

 There were no Western bases in the Pacific (Washington Conference of 1922)  Japan invaded Manchuria on the pretext that China had attacked.

 In 1932 the puppet state of Manchukuo had been established.

 The LoN directly challenged.  China, appealed for support but nothing was done

The League’s Legacy

 United States and UK were not able to cooperate on a policy with respect to Manchuria.

 Neither wanted to be responsible for taking the lead.

 Japan and Manchuria = not central concerns to European powers  Collective security in the Far East = dead.

The League’s Legacy

 USA and UK entered into policy of appeasement.

 Idea that reasonable revisions and negotiations would be the best way to avoid war

What is the message of this cartoon?

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

To do this question, you need first to borrow two concepts from English: Denotation (what you see) Connotation (how it affects its audience)

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

Denotation

A Japanese soldiers tramples over a beautiful woman and the document beside her.

Connotation

The beautiful woman represents the League, and the document is the Covenant.

Meaning

Japan – by its actions in Manchuria – is trampling over the League and the Covenant.

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

Denotation

The figure in the doorway bows down to the Japanese soldier and presents him with flowers.

Connotation

Bowing represents servility, surrender. Flowers welcome a conqueror.

Meaning

The League is not standing up to Japan – rather the League has allowed Japan to win.

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

Denotation

Another figure is powdering the League’s face with a ‘face-saving kit’.

Connotation

The figure represents the British Foreign Secretary John Simon.

‘Saving face’ = making excuses.

Meaning

The British are not interested in doing the right thing – they are just trying to ‘save face’ (not look as spineless as they are).

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

Finally, always remember to look at: Origin (who drew it) Date (when it was published)

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

Origin

The British cartoonist David Low.

Details

Low was a great supporter of the League.

Significance

Low (as many British people) was outraged saw by the Manchuria failure, which he saw as a great humiliation for the League.

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

Date

1933.

Details

When it was clear that the League was not going to do anything about Japan.

Significance

It is a criticism, not of the League, but of its leaders, who have allowed Japan to win.

This cartoon of 1933, by the British cartoonist David Low, is entitled: 'The Doormat'.

What is the message of this cartoon?

OPVL

I know this sounds all wrong, perhaps immoral, when Japan is flouting the League of Nations, but: (1) she was greatly provoked, (2) she must ere long expand somewhere - for goodness sake let (or rather encourage) her to do so there instead of Australia and (3) her control of Manchuria means a real block against Communist aggression.

A letter from the Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge University, to his friend John Simon, the British Foreign Secretary (1933)