Second Sino-Japanese War
The Second Sino-Japanese War was a military conflict fought primarily between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan from 1937 to 1945. It is often considered the Chinese theater of the larger World War II, with hostilities beginning on July 7, 1937, following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident near Beijing.
Background
- The conflict has its roots in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, where Japan gained control over Taiwan and established a sphere of influence in Korea.
- Japan's expansionist policies in the early 20th century led to tensions with China, particularly after the Mukden Incident in 1931, which resulted in Japan's occupation of Manchuria and the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo.
Key Events
- Marco Polo Bridge Incident: The war officially started here when a clash between Chinese and Japanese troops escalated into full-scale war.
- Battle of Shanghai: From August to November 1937, a major urban battle took place which resulted in significant Chinese losses but also showed resistance to Japanese forces.
- Rape of Nanking: Following the fall of Nanjing in December 1937, Japanese forces committed widespread atrocities, killing an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers.
- Battle of Wuhan: Lasted from June to October 1938, with the Chinese Nationalist forces attempting to slow down the Japanese advance.
- Ichigo Campaign: Initiated in 1944, this was Japan's largest offensive operation in China aimed at destroying American airfields and securing railway lines.
Impact and Outcome
- The war resulted in significant loss of life and property, with estimates of Chinese military and civilian deaths ranging from 10 to 20 million.
- The conflict merged with World War II when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, prompting the United States and other Allied powers to enter the war against Japan.
- The war ended with Japan's surrender on August 15, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- Post-war, China was left in ruins, and the conflict significantly weakened the Nationalist Government, paving the way for the Chinese Communist Revolution.
Legacy
- The war left a deep scar on Sino-Japanese relations, influencing diplomatic relations for decades.
- It also played a role in shaping post-war East Asian geopolitics, with the division of China into the People's Republic of China and Taiwan.
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