Nanjing, China

Definition

Nanjing is a city in eastern China that served as the capital of the Republic of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It is most notably known for the Nanjing Massacre, a horrific event during World War II when Japanese troops captured the city and committed widespread atrocities against civilians and disarmed soldiers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Nanjing Massacre took place between December 1937 and January 1938, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people.
2. Japanese soldiers engaged in systematic rape, looting, and killing during the six-week period after capturing Nanjing.
3. The event remains a sensitive and controversial topic in China-Japan relations, with differing narratives regarding responsibility and acknowledgment.
4. International safety zones were established by Westerners in Nanjing to protect civilians, but many were still subjected to violence and atrocities.
5. The Nanjing Massacre has been documented through survivor testimonies, photographs, and accounts from foreign nationals who witnessed the events, contributing to its historical significance.

Review Questions

• What impact did the Nanjing Massacre have on Chinese society during and after World War II?
  • The Nanjing Massacre had a profound impact on Chinese society, deepening the trauma of war and fueling anti-Japanese sentiment among the Chinese population. The widespread atrocities committed against civilians led to a lasting legacy of suffering and resentment that influenced China's national identity. In the aftermath, it also strengthened calls for unity against foreign aggression and played a role in shaping post-war sentiments surrounding justice and accountability.
• Analyze how the international community responded to the events in Nanjing during World War II and what measures were taken to address the atrocities.
  • The international response to the Nanjing Massacre was mixed; while some foreign nationals in Nanjing established safety zones to protect civilians, many countries largely ignored the events due to geopolitical interests. After the war, war crimes trials were held, notably the Tokyo Trials, where some Japanese leaders were held accountable for their actions. However, these measures were criticized for their limited scope and effectiveness in addressing the scale of atrocities that occurred in Nanjing.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Nanjing Massacre on contemporary Sino-Japanese relations and historical memory.
  • The long-term effects of the Nanjing Massacre on Sino-Japanese relations are significant and complex. The massacre continues to be a focal point of historical memory that influences diplomatic ties between China and Japan. Efforts at reconciliation are often overshadowed by disputes over historical narratives, with China emphasizing recognition of wartime atrocities while Japan has at times been accused of downplaying or denying these events. This ongoing tension impacts regional stability and shapes public sentiment in both countries today.

Related terms

Second Sino-Japanese War: A conflict that lasted from 1937 to 1945 between China and Japan, which was marked by brutal fighting and significant civilian suffering.

Nanjing Massacre: An episode of mass murder and rape committed by Japanese troops against residents of Nanjing during the six-week occupation starting in December 1937.

Republic of China: The government established in 1912 following the fall of the Qing Dynasty, which had its capital in Nanjing before relocating to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War.