The Rape of Nanking: The Nanjing Massacre That Occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War

by Captivating History

If you want to discover the history of the Rape of Nanking, then keep reading...Between December 13th, 1937, and the beginning of February 1938, Japanese soldiers entered the Chinese city of Nanjing following a very brief fight for the city. For over six weeks, they committed some of the worst atrocities, first against the Chinese soldiers after they surrendered, then against the civilians. The Westerners who did not flee from the city prior to the Japanese arrival set up a safety zone in the weeks leading up to the Imperial Army entering the city. This was the only place where there was relative safety, and many of the Chinese citizens tried to find refuge there. While Japanese soldiers did enter the safety zone to remove citizens, their actions and behavior in the rest of the city were far worse. The primary war crimes for which they would eventually be charged were rape, looting, arson, and the execution of soldiers and civilians. In less than two months, they killed hundreds of thousands of Chinese people and destroyed roughly a third of the buildings within the city. After World War II ended, the commanders and officers would be put on trial for the atrocities that had been committed, with many of them being condemned by documentation that emerged after the fighting had stopped. In the years since the tribunal and conviction, memorials have been built to honor those who died during those few weeks between 1937 and 1938.In this book, you’ll learn about the A brief history of the historically important Chinese city of NanjingThe Japanese invasion of ChinaThe Marco Polo Bridge IncidentThe Battle of ShanghaiThe march to NanjingThe establishment of the Safety ZoneWestern perception and reaction to the massacreThe war crimes committed in NanjingThe Far East TribunalAnd much more!Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the Rape of Nanking.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2021

Reviews

[Paul McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lest we forget
A meticulously researched and harrowing account of the Japanese massacre of 1939, which unfolded over six brutal weeks. The author vividly captures the depths of human cruelty during wartime, offering a stark reminder of the atrocities mankind is capable of in the chaos of conflict. This historical narrative is both sobering and essential for understanding the devastating impacts of war on civilians, societies and for ensuring it never happens again.

[Christy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting book on an important topic, but written poorly and with minimal academic research. The author repeats themself often, contradicts earlier points, and includes a lot of fluff, making it quite hard to read and follow. The author makes a significant number of judgements throughout (e.g. “obviously this was misplaced”) without evidence or explanation. The author also has a very simplistic argument on why/how each event happened rather than identifying a range of factors as the cause (e.g. no commentary on the gender security implications of comfort women).

[Matthew Ewoldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a somber reminder that Europe was not the only area that experienced the uncontrolled evil of a despotic regime. Like the Nazi hierarchy, the Japanese regime in power during WWII also conducted a pogrom against a race. This book describes very well of those events that occurred in China. I applaud the write also alluded to other actions such as the atrocities that occurred during the attack on Shanghai. This is a book that everyone should read and share with the teenage children in the hope that they will never encounter such events, or if they do, that they will have the courage to stand against the regime that participated them.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total holocaust.

When Frenemies China and Japan were fighting over Korea Japan into China and on his way to take over non-king they killed, rape and pillaged their way to their intended target. Where they initiated the worst six weeks any village would witness in Chinese history. Japanese soldiers were even rumored to have had a contest between officers to see who could kill hundreds of billions the fastest. This in addition to more rapes, Murders and more pillaging. Women between the ages of nine all the way into their 70s we’re right by Japanese soldiers. Son kidnapped and kept in the barracks for over a week so that soldiers coming in and out could have that turn. Children as young as for an underwater murdered by Japanese soldiers, not to mention the ones they tied up and use this practice with their bayonets and swords. This was an atrocity on any scale. Ironically enough there was one safe zone for foreigners and the Chinese civilians lucky enough to live there and it was protected by of all people a Nazi whose name was John Rabe. For the most part those who lived in this “safe zone“ were deemed safe as well as those the foreigners Americans and British alike that had taken in Chinese civilians to safeguard them against the Japanese. There was even raping in the temples and if a Japanese soldier didn’t get what he wanted the person who asked for it would be killed as well as innocent bystanders. They even went into buildings just to kill people. After all was said and done only 28 people were took the task for the crimes committed, even general Mosochio you… I think that’s his name who was hung by the neck with six other perpetrators. There’s so much more to the story and I highly recommend it! This is a travesty that everyone should know about.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just blew my mind! There are so many questions I have after this read. I don't understand as to why this piece of history (as much as I hate to refer this as such) is not mentioned in schools. In my opinion, if the Holocaust can be discussed in history and the Diary of Anne Frank can be apart of an english class then why not The Nanjing Massacre. For this tragedy to have lasted for only 6 weeks of the Japanese against the people of China it should be known. Especially due to the fact that almost 300,000 lives were lost and taken. It just irritates me that these people did not get the help at that time. For it to have been found out by Westerners, the US or Europe should have done something. I understand there was the Holocaust at the same time but for it to not get any looks due to it not being "sensational" really does not sit well with this reader. Also, for Japan to not acknowledge what happened till 1972 is just ridiculous but you will have to read more to find out about that. Apologies for my rant but this book will do that. You will have so many questions as to why this was not or currently is not being widely discussed. Now, the author has nothing to do with lack of information because he provided enough to get you going and on a certain side. I did enjoy the fact though that a memorial was created to remember the lives that were lost. In final, this is a great read and great provider of information on this tragic event.

[Nihal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want me to explain this massacre in word, then I know the perfect word for it - cruel

Yeah, the massacre was cruel. I was fine when I was reading about the second Sino-Japanese war. But the massacre was totally cruel and disgusting. What did the Japanese do? They raped women, they killed men, and they didn't leave any survivor. So much for great Japan.

From the above points, I can conclude that the book made the massacre sound less scary. I think there wasn't so much information to be given about the massacre because half of the book didn't have the facts. It starts by giving information about the wars, then the massacre, then its aftermath.

I think this was so cruel, that maybe even history was scared to tell more about it (Just a metaphor, not true).

[Jovanni Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about this devastating event after reading The Poppy War, which pulled much of its plot from the real life atrocity. I learned so much about Eastern history and it makes me want to know more. I always had a lot of interest in WW2, but really only knew about it from a Western perspective. While this book was awkwardly worded at times and kinda all over the place, I got the gist of things and it was packed with a lot of information. It was well balanced in terms of remaining unbiased and considering multiple perspectives. However it would draw several conclusions from assumption. Rest in peace to all of those innocent souls, it’s heartbreaking what humans can do to each other.

[Mircea Valcea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very poor knowledge and understanding of the historical context of the 1930s, with blatant inaccuracies*, plenty of propagandistic unsupported statements and poor book structure.
I m not a denier of what the Japs did, I actually wanted to read about it, but this is not the right book for it.
* 2 examples: 1. The Chinese Communist party forming because of the Versailles treaty. What? 2. 1927-1937, with Europe already embroiled in war... What? WHAT?!? The war in Europe in 1927?
Shame on those rating this with more than 2 stars, did you all also miss all the history classes during middle grade, like this author?

[Edwin Pun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not bad, although the author could have make a bit more research and would have find out that the story of the two Japanese officers who competed that the first person to killed a hundred Chinese persons with a sword will be the winner was not make up by the Japanese newspaper. It was a contest between Toshiaki Mukai and Tsuyoshi Noda, two Japanese Army officers, which took place during the Japanese invasion of China. The goal of the contest was to see who could kill 100 people the fastest while using a sword. The two officers were later executed on war crime charges for their involvement.

[Kathleen Spratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Japan's war crimes have been all but forgotten--but if you read this book you will never be able to forget them.
I'm not "recommending" it to sensitive people. You must be prepared to read about BRUTAL slaying of innocent civilians.
However, this is a crucial piece of history that we should remember.

[Kun Zheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A objective recapture of the event

The last two chapters are inspiring. Like the comment “history shall be taught at a way that is accurate and instructional”. As a Chinese, this book helps unravel the history and self reflection.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is well researched and everyone should read and educate themselves. Hold the Japanese accountable for thier actions.

[Aaron Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books has great information about a time of history that not a lot of people know about.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author describes THE RAPE OF NANKING as one of the most horrific atrocities of World War II. We don't hear as much about atrocities that took place in the East. This particular massacre lasted six weeks. Most of the records were destroyed so that historians do not know how many people were killed. The estimates are between 40,000 and 300,000 unarmed people were murdered during this time. It was seven years after the massacre that information came to light; by that time much had been destroyed.

As is Captivating History's habit, they set the scene. Japan was very aggressive, especially in the years between the world wars. They were challenging their weaker (although much larger) neighbor, China. The explanation of the "Three Alls" Policy was chilling. Another shocking explanation was the "Warrior Code" and the indoctrination of 14-year-olds (who were inducted into the Japanese military). It was all based on the ancient samurai noble code of conduct. It was of the highest nobility to die for one's emperor. Seppuku (committing suicide to atone for failure or loss) and kamikaze (pilots who killed themselves by taking as many of their enemy with them) were taught.

The Japanese had a difficult time subduing Shanghai and they were angry. By the time they got to Nanjing, they needed to show that they were superior to the Chinese. The people left in the city, with barely-trained recruits, was a recipe for disaster. However, there were rules. The Hague Convention of 1899 and 1907 forbade war crimes against citizens and prisoners of war. The Geneva Convention of 1929 also dictated the humane treatment of prisoners. The execution of prisoners and civilians would be explicitly forbidden under those rules.

The Japanese operated under the rule of "better ten innocents dead than an ex-soldier free." The people and soldiers had surrendered and should have been treated humanely. The descriptions are truly appalling. The author makes a point that the murders, rapes, mutilations, etc., were not because of undisciplined soldiers, but a complete disregard for international law by the officers. As much as 1/3 of Nanking was destroyed by the looting and burning of buildings, businesses, and culture.

Foreigners in the Safety Zone of Nanking started writing letters to Japanese diplomats, hoping to stop the carnage. Instead, the military continued to call the soldiers heroes to the Japanese population. The first investigation began with Lewis Smythe, an American Christian missionary, in March 1938. General MacArthur's concern about Japan remaining a democracy is the reason given for the few crimes trials and executions. I wonder how that played with the Chinese after the war.

I really appreciated the new addition of subheadings; they help break up extra long sections with meaningful text explanations.