Guide to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria photograph collection, 1923-1933

Japanese invasion of Manchuria photograph C0200

Historical Information

The majority of the photographs in this collection appear to document the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. On September 19, 1931, the Kwantung Army of the Empire of Japan invaded Manchuria following the Mukden (Manchurian) Incident.

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Scope and Content

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria photograph collection consists of 99 lantern slides and 4 glass negatives. The majority of the slides show images of the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in 1932, but many also show images of conflict from earlier periods possibly including the Chinese revolution of 1911 and the reign of the Manchurian warlord Zhang Zuolin. Some slides in the collection are dated and several images show weapons, tanks and trains that were not introduced into China until the Japanese invasion in the 1930s. Several of the slides are maps dated to 1933. The maps mainly show Jehol Province, which in 1955 was dissolved and incorporated into several other provinces. The maps highlight several passes in Jehol strategically important for the Japanese invasion. Other maps in the collection include larger areas of the Republic of China, areas of China under Communist control prior to the Chinese Civil War, and maps of Asia and Eurasia. The photo slides show various images of war throughout a possible 10 to 20 year period. The images include; soldiers in and out of combat, soldiers transporting weapons, soldiers demonstrating and displaying weapons, civilian casualties, destruction of cities, rebuilding of cities, armored vehicles and buildings around Manchuria. Images of soldiers could be from both Chinese and Japanese armies.

Series 1 consists of four glass negatives. The negatives feature images of soldiers in combat and are reproduced as lantern slides in the general collection.

Series 2 consists of map slides. Several slides depict maps of Jehol province dated to 1933. Maps of Jehol highlight areas of strategic importance for the Japanese invasion, routes of transportation, and combat maneuvers. Other maps in this series include larger maps of China, maps of Asia, maps of Eastern Hemisphere with the Eurasian continent highlighted and maps of areas of interest for the Japanese Empire.

Series 3 contains photographic slides relating to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and other conflicts in the region during a similar time period. Images represented in these slides include pictures relating to all aspects of war and conflict. Many of the images document the damage inflicted on urban areas in China, including the destruction of entire cities. Civilians in these images go about their daily business amongst demolished buildings and rubble strewn streets. Several images document the Chinese and Japanese armies' use of weaponry and combat tactics. Weapons such as armored trains, first introduced in China during the Japanese invasion, cannon, mortar and machine guns are picture in use and for display purposes. Images of soldiers show them in active combat and occupying war camps. Lastly, graphic images of war casualties show bodies burned and assembled in large piles and mass graves.

Series 4 contains photographic slides of Manchuria and other areas. Photographs in this series depict urban areas of China, featuring scenes of residents and soldiers populating city streets and public squares. Images in this series also highlight historically and culturally significant architecture showing both Western and Chinese style buildings. Also included in this series are images of battleships and other large ships at sea and a major port.

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Arrangement

Organized into four series.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

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Related Material

Special Collections Research Center also holds other collections of lantern slides.

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Index Terms

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Administrative Information

Alternate Format Available

The entire collection is available online through the Japanese invasion of Manchuria collection. You can also access the digital items through the inventory on this finding aid.

Preferred Citation

Japanese invasion of Manchuria photograph collection, Collection #C0200, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Mr. Nagurney in 1978.

Processing Information

Processed by Kristen Korfitzen in November 2011. EAD created by Kristen Korfitzen in November 2011.

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