Original Album Concerning Life in Manchuria under Japanese Rule.

Manchuria: N.p., [1930s]. Oblong quarto (10 x 6 inches). 56 leaves with various kinds of ephemera throughout. The opening two pages each have an original watercolor. The next 5 leaves each bear 2 images of various aspects of life in Manchuria (these are reproduced drawings with captions in Japanese), the next 9 leaves bear 17 photographic illustrations of daily life in Manchuria (with an emphasis on Dairen [now Dalian]). Tjhese are likely postcards. Following is a hodge-podge of 20 cigarette wrappers and cards, eight original photographs and various other interesting bits. Original string tied silk boards, some lifting of the cloth on the boards and some soiling. Overall, in quite good condition,Obviously assembled by a Japanese civilian (there are no images of the Japanese Army), the album gives the impression of life in Manchuria under Japanese rule as a quiet, contented and peaceful place. History tells a different story. As part of earlier treaty agreements, the Japanese had troops protecting the railroad in Southern Manchuria. The Japanese wanted to expand their control over Manchuria so on September 18, 1931; the Japanese planted a small explosive device next to the tracks owned by Japan's South Manchuria Railroad near Mukden. The explosion that followed became known as the Mukden incident and provided an excuse for the Japanese to seize all of the cities along the railroad. At the same time, the Japanese army in Korea (which was occupied by the Japanese) sent forces into Manchuria and quickly seized all the major cities in Liaoning and Kirin provinces. All of this took place without the approval of the civilian government in Japan. The Japanese continued to advance, despite Chinese opposition. By February 27, 1932, the last Chinese opposing the Japanese were forced to surrender all of Manchuria was in Japanese hands.