Nanjing Falls: Prelude to the Nanking Massacre
December 13th, 1937
December 13th, 1937
How Long Ago?
87 years, 3 months, 2 days ago
Location
Nanjing, China
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Second Sino-Japanese War
People
- Tang Shengzhi
Links & References
- Second Sino-Japanese War
- Nanjing Massacre
- Nanjing
- Empire of Japan
- National Revolutionary Army
- Battle of Nanking
- Tang Shengzhi
Tags
Nanjing Falls: Prelude to the Nanking Massacre
The city of Nanjing, defended by the National Revolutionary Army under General Tang Shengzhi, fell to Japanese troops in December 1937. After intense fighting, Japanese forces captured the city, leading to a brutal occupation. Following the capture, Japanese soldiers committed widespread atrocities against civilians, which included executions and sexual violence, resulting in the tragic events known as the Nanking Massacre, which lasted several weeks.
Nanjing was the capital of the Republic of China.
Japanese troops used new military tactics during the fight.
The Nanking Massacre resulted in widespread atrocities.
Historians estimate hundreds of thousands were killed.
What Happened?
The subsequent occupation of Nanjing led to one of the most notorious chapters of the war—the Nanking Massacre. From December 1937 to January 1938, Japanese soldiers engaged in horrific acts against the civilian population. Accounts from survivors indicate that the troops committed widespread atrocities, including thousands of cases of rape and the execution of unarmed men, women, and children. Over the course of the massacre, historians estimate that hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed, and the city suffered extensive destruction. The brutality demonstrated during these weeks not only shocked the world but also left a lasting scar on Sino-Japanese relations.
Why Does it Matter?
The fall of Nanjing and the subsequent massacre are critical to understanding the complexities of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The events highlighted the severe humanitarian crises that can arise during wartime and spurred international attention towards issues of war crimes. It marked a pivotal moment in China's struggle against Japanese imperialism, leading to increased resistance efforts and shaping post-war perceptions in Asia and beyond.
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