Assault on Nanking by Japanese Troops
December 9th, 1937
December 9th, 1937

How Long Ago?
87 years, 3 months, 6 days ago
Location
Nanking, China
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Second Sino-Japanese War
People
- Zhang Zizhong
- Yasuhiko Asaka
Links & References
- Second Sino-Japanese War
- Nanjing
- Empire of Japan
- Republic of China (1912–1949)
- Prince Yasuhiko Asaka
- Battle of Nanking
Tags
Assault on Nanking by Japanese Troops
Japanese troops, commanded by Lt. Gen. Yasuhiko Asaka, launched an overwhelming assault on the Chinese city of Nanking in December 1937. This military action was part of the broader conflict of the Second Sino-Japanese War, marked by fierce resistance from Chinese forces. The attack aimed to capture the city, which was a significant political and cultural center in China, and to expand Japanese control in the region amidst ongoing hostilities.
Nanking was the capital of China at the time.
Japanese troops launched a coordinated assault.
The battle led to significant civilian casualties.
This event foreshadowed the Nanking Massacre.
What Happened?
The assault on Nanking occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which began in July 1937. As Japanese forces advanced into Chinese territory, Nanking, the capital of the Republic of China, became a primary target due to its strategic importance. Following months of intense fighting, Japanese troops, led by Lieutenant General Yasuhiko Asaka, launched a coordinated attack on December 9, 1937, aimed at seizing control of the city. The Imperial Japanese Army had been planning this operation, seeking to leverage their military superiority and disrupt the Chinese government's efforts to rally national defense forces.
Initial resistance from the Chinese Nationalist troops, under the command of General Zhang Zizhong, aimed to defend the city; however, the overwhelming firepower and tactical maneuvers of the Japanese forces soon overwhelmed them. The battle unfolded with fierce combat, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Nanking's defenses crumbled swiftly, and Japanese troops began to infiltrate the city.
The fall of Nanking would lead to one of the most notorious episodes of the war, known as the Nanking Massacre, where civilian atrocities and war crimes were reported. The occupation solidified Japanese control over eastern China and marked a turning point in the Sino-Japanese conflict, establishing a brutal precedent for warfare and occupation in the region.
Why Does it Matter?
This decisive assault on Nanking and the subsequent occupation had lasting implications for Sino-Japanese relations and set a precedent in military tactics during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The brutality exhibited during the conflict contributed to long-standing animosity and shaped perceptions of the Japanese military. The historical memory of the events in Nanking continues to resonate in China and Japan, influencing diplomatic relations and collective identities in both nations.
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