In short
In December 1937, Japanese forces occupying Nanjing, China's capital, systematically murdered an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Chinese civilians and prisoners of war over six weeks. The violence included mass executions, sexual assault, and destruction of the city that shocked the world and became one of the twentieth century's most documented atrocities.
How it unfolded.
The five-minute version
What actually happened.
The Nanjing Massacre or the Rape of Nanjing was the mass rape and murder of Chinese civilians, noncombatants, and prisoners of war by the Imperial Japanese Army in Nanjing, the capital of the Republic of China. It took place immediately after the Battle of Nanjing and retreat of the National Revolutionary Army during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
As it was happening
10 voices, 3834 days.
One beat at a time. Click any dot on the timeline to jump, press play for autoplay, or use the arrow keys to step.
Japanese forces enter Nanjing
After weeks of siege, Japanese troops breach the city's walls and begin occupation. Organized military command breaks down as soldiers engage in widespread looting and violence.
Voices from this moment (2)
Synthesized from contemporary military correspondence and later testimony
Dec 13
“The soldiers must maintain discipline.”
Japanese forces enter Nanjing
Dec 13
“After weeks of siege, Japanese troops breach the city's…”
As it was happening
10 voices, 3834 days.
Day 0 · December 13, 1937
Japanese forces enter Nanjing
After weeks of siege, Japanese troops breach the city's walls and begin occupation. Organized military command breaks down as soldiers engage in widespread looting and violence.
“The soldiers must maintain discipline.”
- Synthesized from contemporary military correspondence and later testimony, Dec 13
“After weeks of siege, Japanese troops breach the city's…”
- Japanese forces enter Nanjing, Dec 13
Day 1 · December 14, 1937
Systematic killings begin
Mass executions of soldiers and civilians commence. Japanese units establish killing zones throughout the city.
“Mass executions of soldiers and civilians commence.”
- Systematic killings begin, Dec 14
Day 2 · December 15, 1937
International Safety Zone established
Foreign nationals, including German businessman John Rabe and American physician Robert Wilson, create a neutral zone to protect Chinese civilians. Approximately 250,000 people seek refuge.
“Foreign nationals, including German businessman John Rabe…”
- International Safety Zone established, Dec 15
Day 5 · December 18, 1937
Sexual violence escalates
Organized rape of Chinese women becomes systematic. Japanese soldiers conduct mass abductions targeting women and girls across the city.
“Organized rape of Chinese women becomes systematic.”
- Sexual violence escalates, Dec 18
Day 27 · January 9, 1938
Massacre subsides
After six weeks, Japanese command imposes greater discipline. Military leadership becomes concerned about international reporting and attempts to suppress documentation.
“Japanese soldiers have systematically murdered thousands of…”
- Synthesized from Timperley's dispatches and reports smuggled to British press, January 1938, Jan 10
“They came into our home without warning.”
- Synthesized from survivor testimonies collected post-war, Feb 1
“After six weeks, Japanese command imposes greater…”
- Massacre subsides, Jan 9
Day 3095 · June 4, 1946
Far East War Crimes Tribunal opens
Tokyo trial begins prosecuting Japanese military leaders. Nanjing atrocities figure prominently in testimony and evidence.
“Tokyo trial begins prosecuting Japanese military leaders.”
- Far East War Crimes Tribunal opens, Jun 4
Day 3834 · June 12, 1948
General Matsui executed
Matsui Iwane, commanding general, is hanged for war crimes including responsibility for the massacre.
“Matsui Iwane, commanding general, is hanged for war crimes…”
- General Matsui executed, Jun 12
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Sources & citations.
Sources
Where this came from.
Every claim on this page traces to a public, license-clean source. We don't asterisk well.
Wikipedia
1 source- 1.Nanjing Massacre
en.wikipedia.org