To compare the situations leading up to the invasions of China and Poland, we can briefly consider the context of each invasion:
-
Historical Context:
- Japan's Invasion of China: Prior to the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), Japan had already expanded its territories in Asia, including the invasion of Manchuria in 1931. Japan was motivated by imperial ambitions and sought resources as well as land.
- Germany's Invasion of Poland: Germany's invasion of Poland in September 1939 marked the beginning of World War II. This was preceded by the rise of Adolf Hitler and the expansionist policies of the Nazi regime. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
-
Military Preparedness:
- China: While China was not fully unified and faced internal strife (including the civil war between the Nationalists and Communists), it prepared to defend itself against Japanese aggression, albeit with varying effectiveness due to its internal divisions.
- Poland: Poland was militarily mobilized and prepared to fight, but it faced a rapid invasion by both Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east shortly after, severely limiting its chances of success.
-
Foreign Support:
- China: During the conflict, China sought foreign aid, particularly from the United States and other allies, in their fight against Japanese aggression.
- Poland: Poland also sought support from allies such as Britain and France, but the aid was largely ineffective due to the speed of the German invasion.
-
Preceding Aggressions:
- Both Japan and Germany had engaged in earlier military aggressions before invading China and Poland. Japan's invasion of Manchuria and German reoccupation of the Rhineland and annexation of Austria are examples of this aggression.
Overall, while both China and Poland faced aggressive invasions from Japan and Germany respectively, the contexts, military readiness, foreign support, and preceding aggressions highlight differing dynamics that led to the invasions.