Nanjing

Question 1

Q1: When did the Rape of Nanjing take place?

Answer 1

A: It occurred between December 1937 and January 1938, during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Question 2

Q2: What was the Rape of Nanjing?

Answer 2

A: A mass atrocity committed by Japanese soldiers in the Chinese capital, involving mass murder, rape, and destruction.

Question 3

Q3: How many people were killed during the Rape of Nanjing?

Answer 3

A: Estimates range between 200,000 and 300,000 civilians and prisoners of war.

Question 4

Q4: What kind of violence took place in Nanjing?

Answer 4

A: Widespread rape (possibly 20,000–80,000 victims), executions, mutilations, arson, and looting.

Question 5

Q5: Why is the Rape of Nanjing significant in the context of WWII?

Answer 5

A: It demonstrated the brutality of Imperial Japan’s militarism and the total disregard for international norms and human rights.

Question 6

Q6: How does the Rape of Nanjing relate to totalitarianism?

Answer 6

A: It illustrates how extreme nationalism and militarism under a totalitarian regime can lead to mass violence and war crimes.

Question 7

Q7: What ideology fueled the Japanese invasion of China?

Answer 7

A: Imperialist and ultranationalist beliefs that Japan had a destiny to dominate Asia and was racially superior.

Question 8

Q8: What was the international response at the time?.

Answer 8

A: Limited condemnation; the world was preoccupied with the Great Depression and growing tensions in Europe.