10/28 Nanjing Massacre

Opener

• You may have heard the expression “All’s fair in love and war.” With a partner, consider:
  • What would it mean to say “all’s fair in war”?
  • Is it true or should there be rules for warfare?
• Then, write up a possible list of rules that might be effective in times of war. Be prepared to defend your list. If you believe that no rules are needed or possible, please explain and be prepared that position.

Overview

• Nov. 1937, Japan invaded Shanghai, destroying 60% of the modern core of the Chinese (Guomindang) army
• Next, the Japanese pressed inland toward the capital at Nanjing
  • Most of the rest of the Chinese army (87th and 88th divisions) stalled Japanese approach.
  • When resistance collapsed frightened Chinese troops robbed clothes from civilians to escape Japanese.
  • The Guomindang government fled inland (eventually to Chongqing)
• Japanese troops entered Nanjing committed violence on staggering scale:
  • 200,000-340,000 Chinese civilians murdered
  • Other indiscriminate atrocities: rape, theft, torture
• Today, more than 70 years after the end of World War II, the Nanjing massacre has become the most vivid – and painful – memory of the war, and is marked by an impressive museum and memorial complex.

Japanese soldiers enter Shanghai, November 1937

Executions in Nanjing, during or after December 1937

Initial questions for discussion on Minter

• What was the incident in 2012 that resulted in Minter’s article?
• Describe the Chinese response and suggest what they might tell us about discussion of World War II in contemporary China.
• Why was the Nanjing massacre largely “ignored and off-limits for almost 50 years”? What were some of the effects of this?

Presentation and discussion of student articles

Homework: U5 assessment due Monday.