Mengjiang United Autonomous Government facts for kids
The Mengjiang United Autonomous Government (which means "Mongolian Borderland United Autonomous Government" in Chinese) was a special area in Inner Mongolia. It existed for a short time, from 1939 to 1945. This government was set up by the Japanese Empire during World War II. You can think of it as a "puppet state," which means it looked like an independent country but was actually controlled by Japan. The main city of Mengjiang was Kalgan, which is now known as Zhangjiakou.
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What Was Mengjiang?
Mengjiang was a territory in East Asia that was formed during a time of great change. The Empire of Japan wanted to expand its influence in China and Mongolia. To do this, they helped create Mengjiang. It was meant to be a separate area for the Mongol people, but it was always under the strong influence and control of Japan.
Who Was the Leader of Mengjiang?
The main leader of the Mengjiang United Autonomous Government was a man named Demchugdongrub. He was a Mongolian prince and a political figure. He worked with the Japanese to establish and run Mengjiang. He aimed to create an independent Mongolian state, but his government was heavily supported and directed by Japan.
When Did Mengjiang Exist?
Mengjiang was established in 1939. It continued to exist throughout much of World War II. However, its time came to an end in 1945. This was when the Soviet Union and Mongolia launched an attack called the Soviet invasion of Manchuria. They moved into the areas controlled by Japan, including Mengjiang. After this, Mengjiang was dissolved, and its territories became part of China again.
Images for kids
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Demchugdongrub (left)
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One-yuan banknote issued by the Bank of Mengjiang, 1940
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Mengjiang shrine in Zhangjiakou, Hebei, in the 1950s
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A map of the Mengjiang United Autonomous Government
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A lecture held in Japan in 1940 discussing Inner Mongolia and Mengjiang, note the map in the background featuring the state
