The Nanjing Massacre

What happened? And why?

The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, occurred from December 1937 to January 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was a brutal atrocity committed by the Imperial Japanese Army after they captured Nanjing, the capital of the Republic of China at the time.

There are several factors that contributed to the massacre:

Military Aggression and Dehumanization
- The Japanese Army, after months of fighting in China, was motivated by a desire for a swift and decisive victory. The invasion of Nanjing was part of this broader military strategy. In the heat of war, soldiers often dehumanize the enemy, leading to horrific acts of violence and brutality.
Japanese Imperialist Ideology
- At the time, Japan was governed by militaristic and imperialist ideologies, believing in the superiority of the Japanese race and a mandate to dominate East Asia. These beliefs fueled aggression against Chinese civilians, whom they considered inferior.
Breakdown of Military Discipline
- The Japanese forces, under little oversight from their commanders, committed atrocities that included mass killings, rapes, and torture. Many soldiers were reportedly given “free rein” to commit these acts. The lack of military discipline and accountability exacerbated the violence.
Retaliation for Resistance
- The Chinese forces had put up stiff resistance, and in the eyes of the Japanese soldiers, the massacre was seen as a form of revenge and retribution for the casualties suffered during the battle for Nanjing.
Psychological Factors
- The Japanese soldiers may have also been influenced by a combination of stress, fear, and anger after a prolonged and brutal conflict. Nanjing was seen as a symbol of Chinese resistance, and its fall represented a major blow to the Chinese morale. This can sometimes lead to the unleashing of pent-up violence and frustrations.

The Nanjing Massacre resulted in the deaths of an estimated 300,000 people, with tens of thousands of women being raped and countless civilians subjected to brutal killings and other atrocities. It remains one of the most horrific war crimes of the 20th century and continues to affect Sino-Japanese relations today.

Why is the massacre remembered?

The Nanjing Massacre is remembered for several profound reasons, both historical and moral. It stands as one of the most horrific war crimes of the 20th century and serves as a reminder of the brutal consequences of unchecked military aggression, racial dehumanization, and the failure to protect civilians in times of conflict. Here are

Some key reasons why the Nanjing Massacre is remembered:

Scale of Atrocities: The massacre, 300.000 killed, included mass executions, sexual violence, and widespread destruction, shocking the world.
Human Rights and Moral Lessons: It serves as a reminder of the dangers of dehumanization, racial hatred, and wartime brutality, emphasizing the importance of human rights.
Symbol of Chinese Suffering and Resistance: The massacre symbolizes both China’s suffering under Japanese occupation and the resilience of the Chinese people during the war.
Impact on Sino-Japanese Relations: The massacre remains a source of tension between China and Japan, especially over acknowledgment and apologies.
Historical Documentation and Survivor Testimonies: Well-documented by witnesses and survivors, these accounts preserve the memory of the atrocities.
Reminder of the Cost of War: The massacre highlights the vulnerability of civilians in wartime and the need for protections under international law.
International Awareness and Justice: Despite some accountability after WWII, many feel that justice was insufficient, keeping the memory alive for future generations.

The Nanjing Massacre is remembered not only because of the extreme violence and loss of life but also as a symbol of the broader human cost of war, dehumanization, and imperial aggression. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy, international cooperation, and the protection of human rights in times of conflict. The memory of the massacre continues to shape both Chinese collective memory and the broader global understanding of wartime atrocities.