Nanjing Massacre

Beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War

Jul 7, 1937

The Second Sino-Japanese War was a military conflict fought primarily between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan.

Second Sino-Japanese War

Period: Jul 7, 1937 to Sep 9, 1945

A military conflict fought primarily between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan.

Invasion of Shanghai

Aug 18, 1937

The Japanese army invaded Shanghai where they met strong resistance and suffered heavy casualties.

Citizens flee to Safety Zone

Dec 1, 1937

Nanjing Mayor Ma Chao-chun ordered all Chinese citizens remaining in Nanjing to move into the "Safety Zone", in the western quarter of the city.

Battle of Nanjing

Dec 9, 1937

Nanjing Massacre- 70 years laterThe Japanese army demanded surrender within 24 hours and when the Chinese army did not surrender, the war began.

Capture of Nanjing

Dec 13, 1937

The Japanese capture the city of Nanjing, the former capital of the Republic of China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Nanjing Massacre- 70 years later

End of the Massacre

Feb 1, 1938

After 300,000 people were raped, beated, and killed, historians believe the end of the Massacre to be early Febuary. Six weeks after the Japanese took control of Nanjing.