What was a contributing reason for US, Britain, and France's inaction during Japan's invasion of Manchuria?

The rationale behind the belief that fear of the spread of communism contributed to the inaction of the US, Britain, and France during Japan's invasion of Manchuria revolves around the geopolitical context of the time. In the 1930s, Western powers were primarily concerned about the threat of communism, particularly from the Soviet Union. This focus led them to adopt a somewhat lenient approach towards the actions of Japan, which, at the time, was seen as a potential bulwark against the expansion of communism in Asia.

The rising influence of communism became a significant factor in foreign policy considerations, leading states such as the US, Britain, and France to prioritize containment of the Soviet threat over intervening in conflicts like Japan's invasion of Manchuria. They believed that a strong Japan could serve as a counterbalance to communist expansion in the region. Thus, the fears regarding communism shaped the strategic calculations of these Western powers, leading to a lack of decisive action against Japan's aggressive maneuvers in Manchuria.

While the other factors—like viewing the conflict as minor or a desire to maintain colonial interests—had some impact, the overriding concern regarding communism and its potential spread played a central role in shaping the foreign