Historical Events tagged with "china"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Eighth Route Army Victory at Pingxingguan

September 25th, 1937 87 years ago

The Eighth Route Army achieved a minor but morale-boosting victory against Japanese forces at the Battle of Pingxingguan. This battle, occurring in September, involved a surprise attack by Chinese troops and was significant for bolstering Chinese resistance during the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The strategic surprise and terrain knowledge played key roles in the Chinese victory.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Start of the Battle of Shanghai

August 13th, 1937 87 years ago

The Battle of Shanghai began as a major conflict between Imperial Japan and Nationalist China. Initiated with a Japanese amphibious invasion of Shanghai's docks and subsequent assaults on Chinese defensive positions, the battle marked a significant escalation in the Second Sino-Japanese War. The ongoing tension stemmed from Japan's aggressive expansionist policies in East Asia and the discontent within China's Nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek. The intense fighting lasted for several months, showcasing both the determination of Chinese forces and the military capabilities of Japan, in one of the war's most consequential battles.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Tongzhou Mutiny Against Japanese Forces

July 29th, 1937 87 years ago

In Tongzhou, China, the East Hebei Army launched a coordinated attack against Japanese troops stationed there, targeting both the soldiers and local civilians. This uprising was part of the escalating tensions between Chinese forces and Japanese imperialist ambitions in the region. The mutiny was marked by intense violence and showcased the growing determination of Chinese factions to resist Japanese encroachment.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Prelude to the Second Sino-Japanese War

July 7th, 1937 87 years ago

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident, occurring near Beijing, marked a crucial turning point in Sino-Japanese relations. Japanese troops claimed that Chinese soldiers fired upon them during military exercises, igniting tensions that had been simmering since the earlier invasion of Manchuria in 1931. The incident led to swift mobilization by the Imperial Japanese Army, who seized the opportunity to expand their control in China. This conflict quickly escalated into a full-scale war, known as the Second Sino-Japanese War, fundamentally affecting both nations.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Chiang Kai-shek Captured During Xi'an Incident

December 12th, 1936 88 years ago

In December, a coup unfolded in Xi'an as Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek was captured by his own officers, Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng. This pivotal act was fueled by the desire to shift focus from internal conflicts against the Communist Party to a united front against Japanese aggression. The startling capture occurred in Xi'an, where tensions had escalated, showcasing the friction within the Nationalist Party regarding strategy against external threats. This tense situation ultimately led to negotiations that would impact China's war efforts.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Formation of the Mengjiang Puppet State

June 28th, 1936 88 years ago

The Japanese puppet state of Mengjiang was established in northern China following Japanese military actions and political maneuvers. This region, also known as Mengjianggu, encompassed parts of Inner Mongolia and was intended to serve as a buffer state for Japan against the Soviet Union. The creation of Mengjiang was largely facilitated by the collaboration of local leaders, including the prominent Mongol chieftain, General Zhang Tianyi, who played a pivotal role. Japan sought to exert influence over this strategically significant territory amid its broader expansionist ambitions in Asia.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Student Protests Dispersed in Tiananmen Square

December 9th, 1935 89 years ago

Student protests erupted in the iconic Tiananmen Square, where demonstrators voiced their dissent against government policies. Authorities responded swiftly, deploying armed forces to disperse the crowd. The protests were fueled by discontent over corruption and social issues, highlighting the growing unrest among the youth. This clash at a historic site underlines the students' demand for reform and greater political representation.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

China Clipper Launches Transpacific Air Service

November 22nd, 1935 89 years ago

The China Clipper, a Martin M-130 flying boat, embarked on its inaugural transpacific flight connecting Alameda, California, with Manila. This historic flight marked the beginning of commercial air service across the Pacific Ocean, significantly shortening travel time between the United States and Asia. Piloted by Captain Edwin C. Musick, the aircraft carried mail and passengers, showcasing the potential of air travel for international commerce and communication. The journey signified a leap in aviation technology and served as a testament to the growing interconnectedness of global societies.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

End of the Long March by CCP Forces

October 20th, 1935 89 years ago

The Long March, a pivotal military maneuver by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during the Chinese Civil War, reached its conclusion as troops arrived at their destination. This strategic retreat, lasting over a year, was undertaken in response to the relentless pursuit of the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek. The march began in October of the previous year, covering more than 6,000 miles across treacherous terrain and significantly impacting the CCP's prominence in Chinese politics.

Continue Reading