July 7, 1937

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident involved a minor skirmish that quickly escalated as both sides called for reinforcements, leading to widespread fighting.
2. Prior to July 7, tensions had been mounting due to Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 and its ongoing military actions in Northern China.
3. Following the outbreak of war on this date, China received support from various international powers, although significant military aid was limited at first.
4. The Second Sino-Japanese War would eventually merge into the larger context of World War II after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
5. The conflict caused immense suffering and destruction in China, with millions of casualties and significant social and economic upheaval resulting from the prolonged warfare.

Review Questions

• What were the immediate consequences of the events on July 7, 1937, for Sino-Japanese relations?
  • The events on July 7, 1937, resulted in an immediate breakdown of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, escalating tensions into full-scale war. The Marco Polo Bridge Incident demonstrated Japan's military aggression and commitment to expanding its territory in China. This led to widespread mobilization of Chinese forces, uniting various factions against a common enemy while setting the stage for prolonged conflict that would have devastating effects on both countries.
• Discuss the role of foreign powers in influencing the course of the Second Sino-Japanese War following July 7, 1937.
  • Foreign powers played a significant role in influencing the Second Sino-Japanese War after July 7, 1937. While countries like the Soviet Union provided some support to China through military aid and training, other nations were hesitant to intervene directly. The war drew international attention and sympathy towards China, especially after reports of atrocities like the Nanjing Massacre emerged. However, it was not until Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor that the conflict was fully integrated into World War II, leading to increased global involvement.
• Evaluate how the events beginning on July 7, 1937, set the stage for China's post-war political landscape and its implications for modern Chinese history.
  • The onset of war on July 7, 1937, significantly influenced China's post-war political landscape by exacerbating existing divisions between the Nationalists and Communists. The common struggle against Japanese aggression temporarily united these factions but also deepened societal fractures that would later contribute to civil conflict. After Japan's defeat in World War II, these unresolved tensions culminated in a civil war that ultimately led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. This pivotal moment not only shaped modern Chinese history but also influenced China's subsequent relationships with other nations in a changing global context.

Related terms

Marco Polo Bridge: A bridge located near Beijing, China, where the initial skirmish occurred that triggered the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Sino-Japanese relations: The historical and political relationship between China and Japan, marked by periods of conflict and cooperation, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Nanjing Massacre:

A horrific event during the Second Sino-Japanese War where Japanese troops captured Nanjing and committed widespread atrocities against Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers in late 1937.