Second Sino-Japanese War

Definition

The Second Sino-Japanese War was a major conflict fought between China and Japan from 1937 to 1945, marking a significant phase in the struggle for Chinese sovereignty against Japanese imperialism. This war not only intensified Chinese nationalism and resistance against foreign domination but also set the stage for the broader context of global conflicts, including World War II, highlighting issues of civil rights and democracy as China sought to unify and assert its independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Sino-Japanese War officially began on July 7, 1937, following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident and lasted until Japan's surrender in 1945.
2. During this war, Japan aimed to expand its empire by invading China, which led to significant battles such as the Battle of Shanghai and the Battle of Wuhan.
3. The conflict saw immense suffering for Chinese civilians, with millions displaced and an estimated 20 million people killed or affected by the war's violence.
4. The war caused a temporary unification of Chinese factions, including both the Nationalists and Communists, who collaborated against a common enemy.
5. As the Second Sino-Japanese War merged into World War II, it brought global attention to issues of imperialism, human rights violations, and the fight for democracy in Asia.

Review Questions

• How did the Second Sino-Japanese War impact Chinese nationalism and resistance movements?
  • The Second Sino-Japanese War significantly fueled Chinese nationalism as various factions rallied against Japanese aggression. The shared struggle against a common enemy led to increased unity among groups like the Nationalists and Communists, who put aside their differences to fight for China's sovereignty. This collective resistance strengthened national identity and fostered a sense of urgency for achieving independence and self-determination among the Chinese people.
• Evaluate the implications of the Rape of Nanking during the Second Sino-Japanese War on international perceptions of Japan.
  • The Rape of Nanking had profound implications for international perceptions of Japan during and after the Second Sino-Japanese War. The brutal acts committed by Japanese soldiers against civilians were widely reported in Western media, generating outrage and condemnation. This event not only showcased the extreme violence associated with Japanese militarism but also contributed to shifting public opinion that would later influence diplomatic relations during World War II and shape post-war narratives about Japanese war crimes.
• Analyze how the Second Sino-Japanese War influenced post-war dynamics in Asia, particularly regarding civil rights and political developments in China.
  • The Second Sino-Japanese War laid the groundwork for significant post-war dynamics in Asia, particularly in China. The conflict exacerbated existing social tensions and highlighted issues of civil rights as various factions vied for power in the aftermath. The war's devastation fostered revolutionary sentiments that contributed to the eventual victory of the Communist Party in 1949. As a result, civil rights became a central concern under Mao's regime, fundamentally altering China's political landscape and influencing broader regional movements toward independence and democratic governance.

Related terms

Marco Polo Bridge Incident: The July 1937 clash between Chinese and Japanese troops at the Marco Polo Bridge, often considered the starting point of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Rape of Nanking: A horrific episode during the war where Japanese troops captured Nanking in December 1937, leading to widespread atrocities against Chinese civilians.

Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang): The political party led by Chiang Kai-shek, which played a crucial role in resisting Japanese aggression during the war and later in the Chinese Civil War.