10.2 Causes and major events of the Second Sino-Japanese War
3 min read•july 11, 2024
The erupted in 1937, fueled by and China's internal struggles. This conflict marked a critical turning point in East Asian history, with Japan's aggressive expansion clashing against China's desperate fight for survival.
The war's origins trace back to rising tensions and Japan's occupation of . Key events like the and the fall of Nanjing showcased the brutality of the conflict, while contrasting military strategies and international reactions shaped its course.
Origins and Escalation of the Second Sino-Japanese War
Causes of Second Sino-Japanese War
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- Japan's imperialist ambitions driven by
- Desire for territorial expansion and control of resources in Asia (Manchuria, China)
- Belief in Japanese racial and cultural superiority justifying need for a ""
- Economic and political instability in China weakened resistance
- Nationalist government under struggled to unify and modernize war-torn nation
- Fragmentation of China due to power struggles between warlords and competing regional factions
- Rising tensions between China and Japan
- Japan's increasing military occupation of Manchuria following the (1931) violated Chinese sovereignty
- Chinese resistance to Japanese encroachment through boycotts, protests and military skirmishes
Key events in Sino-Japanese conflict
- Marco Polo Bridge Incident () marked outbreak of full-scale war
- Skirmish between Chinese and Japanese troops near Beijing quickly escalated
- Served as pretext for Japan to launch all-out invasion of China
- Japanese invasion of Shanghai (August 1937) demonstrated Chinese resolve
- Fierce urban warfare resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and destruction of city
- Chinese Nationalist troops put up determined three-month resistance before withdrawing
- Fall of Nanjing (December 1937) brought horrific atrocities
- Japanese capture of the Nationalist capital followed by (December 1937 - January 1938)
- Widespread war crimes including mass murder, torture, rape and looting of civilians
- Estimated 40,000-300,000 Chinese killed, one of worst atrocities of World War II
Military Strategies and International Reactions
Military strategies of China vs Japan
- China pursued to wear down Japanese invasion
- Traded space for time, drawing Japanese into costly battles deep in China's interior
- Employed tactics to harass Japanese supply lines and bases in occupied areas
- Used , destroying infrastructure and crops to deny resources to enemy
- Japan relied on offensive operations to quickly capture key objectives
- Rapid strikes to seize major cities, ports, railroads and industrial centers
- Exploited advantages in tanks, artillery, aircraft and motorized transport
- Brutal "" (Kill all, burn all, loot all) to crush Chinese resistance
- Conducted terror bombing of civilians, use of chemical and biological weapons
International response to Sino-Japanese War
- League of Nations condemned Japanese aggression but failed to act
- Lacked military force to back up resolutions demanding Japan withdraw from China
- Soviet Union offered limited support to China
- Provided fighter aircraft, artillery, advisors and volunteers to aid Chinese war effort
- Signed non-aggression pact with China (August 1937) to counter potential Japanese threat
- United States took increasingly anti-Japanese stance
- Officially neutral but sympathetic to China, seeing Japan as threat to American interests
- Provided loans, humanitarian aid and military supplies to Nationalist government
- Imposed escalating economic sanctions on Japan, culminating in oil embargo (August 1941)
- International aid boosted Chinese resistance but also spurred Japanese aggression
- Western support helped China sustain war effort and avoid collapse
- U.S. embargo and other pressures contributed to Japan's decision to launch Pacific War
Key Terms to Review (18)
Battle of Shanghai: The Battle of Shanghai was a significant military confrontation that took place between August and November 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, marking one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the conflict. This battle was characterized by intense urban warfare as Chinese forces defended the city against a much better-equipped Japanese army, ultimately leading to a decisive Japanese victory. The battle highlighted China's determination to resist Japanese aggression and set the stage for further conflicts throughout the war.
Chiang Kai-shek: Chiang Kai-shek was a Chinese political and military leader who played a significant role in the history of modern China, particularly during the early to mid-20th century. He was the leader of the Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and served as the head of the Nationalist government during pivotal events, including the formation of alliances against warlords and Japanese aggression.
Chinese Nationalism: Chinese nationalism refers to a political ideology that emphasizes the unity, independence, and sovereignty of the Chinese nation and its people. This concept emerged during the late Qing Dynasty and became a powerful force in shaping modern Chinese identity, particularly in response to foreign imperialism and domestic challenges.
December 13, 1937: December 13, 1937, marks the beginning of the Nanjing Massacre, a brutal and horrific episode during the Second Sino-Japanese War where Japanese troops captured Nanjing, then the capital of China. The event involved widespread atrocities including mass killings, sexual violence, and other war crimes against Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers, highlighting the extreme brutality of the conflict and its deep-rooted historical implications.
Economic instability: Economic instability refers to a state of fluctuating economic conditions that can lead to uncertainty in investment, production, and consumption. This condition often manifests as high inflation, unemployment, and volatile financial markets, creating an environment where individuals and businesses struggle to make sound financial decisions. Such instability can trigger political fragmentation and conflict, influencing events like the rise of warlords and contributing to major wars.
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere: The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was a concept promoted by Japan during World War II, envisioning a bloc of Asian nations led by Japan that would be free from Western colonial powers. This idea sought to unify Asian countries under Japanese leadership, promoting economic cooperation and cultural exchange while masking Japan's imperial ambitions and military expansion in the region.
Guerrilla warfare: Guerrilla warfare is a form of irregular combat in which small groups of armed forces use unconventional tactics, such as ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run strategies, to fight larger, more traditional military forces. This method relies on the element of surprise and often aims to disrupt enemy operations while gaining support from the local population.
Japan's Imperial Ambitions: Japan's imperial ambitions refer to the country's drive to expand its territory and influence in Asia, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period marked Japan's transformation into a major imperial power, fueled by a desire for resources, national pride, and competition with Western powers. The quest for expansion played a crucial role in shaping regional dynamics and was a key factor leading to major conflicts such as the Second Sino-Japanese War.
July 7, 1937: July 7, 1937, marks the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War, a significant conflict between China and Japan that lasted until 1945. This date is crucial as it represents the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, where clashes erupted between Chinese and Japanese troops, escalating tensions that had been brewing due to Japan's aggressive expansion in China. This incident not only sparked full-scale war but also highlighted the growing militarism of Japan and China's struggle for sovereignty amidst foreign aggression.
Manchuria: Manchuria is a historical region in Northeast Asia that encompasses parts of modern-day China, Russia, and Mongolia. It played a critical role in the geopolitics of East Asia, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, impacting major events such as conflicts and territorial treaties involving Japan and China.
Marco Polo Bridge Incident: The Marco Polo Bridge Incident, which occurred on July 7, 1937, was a significant clash between Chinese and Japanese troops near the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing. This event is widely regarded as the starting point of the Second Sino-Japanese War, marking the escalation of tensions that had been building between China and Japan over territorial disputes and Japanese expansionism in East Asia.
Mukden Incident: The Mukden Incident was a staged event that occurred on September 18, 1931, when Japanese soldiers detonated a small explosion on a railway line near Mukden, China, as a pretext to invade Manchuria. This incident served as a catalyst for the Second Sino-Japanese War and marked a significant escalation in Japanese aggression in East Asia, highlighting the fragility of Chinese sovereignty during this period.
Nanjing Massacre: The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, refers to a period of extreme violence and atrocities committed by Japanese troops against the residents of Nanjing, China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War from December 1937 to January 1938. This brutal event is marked by mass executions, widespread sexual violence, and other horrific acts, leading to a profound impact on both Chinese society and the broader political landscape of China during and after the war.
Resource competition: Resource competition refers to the rivalry between states or groups to secure access to and control over valuable natural resources. This competition can drive conflicts, influence foreign policy decisions, and shape international relations. In the context of the Second Sino-Japanese War, resource competition played a critical role as both China and Japan sought to dominate territories rich in resources essential for their economic growth and military ambitions.
Scorched earth tactics: Scorched earth tactics involve the deliberate destruction of resources, infrastructure, and anything that might be useful to an enemy during a military campaign. This strategy aims to deprive the opposing forces of supplies and shelter, thereby weakening their ability to sustain themselves in occupied territories. In the context of warfare, these tactics often lead to significant suffering for civilian populations, as farmland, homes, and essential services are targeted.
Second Sino-Japanese War: The Second Sino-Japanese War was a conflict that lasted from 1937 to 1945, primarily between China and Japan, marking a significant escalation of hostilities that began with the First Sino-Japanese War. This war played a crucial role in shaping modern Chinese identity, national unity, and its relationship with foreign powers, while also impacting global dynamics leading to World War II.
Three Alls Policy: The Three Alls Policy was a military strategy implemented by the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which aimed to suppress Chinese resistance by adopting a brutal approach that involved killing all, burning all, and looting all. This policy reflected the extreme measures taken by the Japanese military to assert control over occupied territories and to eliminate any opposition, which had severe consequences for civilian populations and contributed to the widespread devastation in China.
War of Attrition: A war of attrition is a military strategy aimed at wearing down an opponent's forces through continuous losses in personnel and material. In the context of the Second Sino-Japanese War, both China and Japan employed strategies that reflected the characteristics of a war of attrition, as they sought to exhaust each other’s resources and resolve over a prolonged conflict.