Before WW2s official start, Japan's need for imperializing and expanding was growing. The need for weapons, and natural resources heightened. A solution that would end these problems would be to invade China. For decades Japan had longed to imperialize China politically, and militarily. Along with this, Japan would also want to use Chinas food and labor. It was only a matter of time before China would be invaded. Japan eventually decides to invade Manchuria. This puts high tension between China and Japan, and their hatred will sustain until the end of the war. Soon after the success in Manchuria, the Japanese army then turned towards Shanghai. Grueling “Stalingrad” styled battles took place in the streets of Shanghai. It took 4 months to drive the Chinese from Shanghai, and this left the Japanese a clear path to Nanking.
what happened during the nanking invasion?
Not only was Japan invading Chinas land, they also inflicted terrifying brutality against the Chinese citizens. Woman and children were killed and raped. Even the generals that led the invasion had a game on who could murder 100 Chinese with a sword first. These activities, rape, murder, execution, were encouraged by the leading officers during the invasion. Hundreds of disturbing accountants were found, and they all show the hatred infused by the Japanese.
why did japan attack nanking?Japan targeted Nanking because of their resources, labor, and need for imperialization. China is close by to the Japanese, making their invasion go much more fluently. Before Japan focused on the invasion of Nanking and Manchuria, there were past rivalries between China and Japan. Japan once imperialized China. Also, After World War One, China war betrayed by their allies, and were forced to give Shandong to Japan and accept the Twenty One Demands. After this, Japan kept their eyes set on Imperializing Manchuria, which led to the Nanking Massacre. Overall, Japan attacked Nanking because of their resources and past rivalries. This is why people inflict violence on each other, because of the past, and because of their needs.
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