The Rape of Nanking, also known as the Nanking Massacre, was a genocide that occurred in late 1937 and early 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japanese Imperial Army forces captured the city of Nanking (now Nanjing), which was then the capital of China, and committed numerous atrocities against the population and surrendered Chinese soldiers.
The main perpetrators of the atrocities were the Imperial Japanese Army, specifically the troops under the command of General Matsui Iwane. (And you can see him here, as he just shortly arrives at Ninking after it’s been captured) The Chinese city of Nanjing was the primary location where the atrocities occurred.
The victims of the Rape of Nanjing were primarily Chinese civilians and disarmed
…show more content…
The event remains a highly emotional and contentious issue between the two nations, with China demanding a formal apology from Japan and compensation for the victims and their families. Japan, on the other hand, has made various efforts to improve relations, including providing financial aid to China and inviting Chinese representatives to visit Japan. In recent years, some progress has been made in improving relations between the two countries, but the issue of the Nanjing Massacre and other war atrocities continues to be a source of tension and …show more content…
However, achieving full accountability has been challenging, and formal apologies from the Japanese government have been a source of conflict.
Lessons and Remembrance: The genocide serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of promoting peace, understanding, and human rights. The international community emphasizes the need to learn from history and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.
Now what are the Prevention for the future:
Preventing a genocide like the Rape of Nanjing would have needed a combination of actions: like recognizing tensions early and diplomatic negotiations could have led to diplomatic efforts to address the issues and avoid a full-scale war. Negotiating peacefully with the help of international mediators could have resolved conflicts.
International pressure: like puting pressure on Japan, the aggressor in this case, through politics, economy, and diplomacy. Imposing sanctions, trade restrictions, and other punishments could have deterred their aggression and shown the world's united stand.
Another prevention is creating safe regions for refugees, swift international condemnation, teaching about human rights, and holding those responsible