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Mukden Incident
An explosion occurring on the tracks of the Southern Manchurian Railroad lead to an unauthorized Japanese occupation of Mukden. Military leaders blamed the Chinese Nationalists for the incident. Eventually, a puppet mayor was installed who ruled with the "help" of the Japanese. -
Resistance at Nenjiang Bridge
Marked the start of the Jiangqiao campaign. A small battle between the Chinese National Army and Japanese Imperial forces fought as the Chinese attempted to resist further Japanese invasion. -
Second United Front
After the Xi’an incident in which Chiang Kai-Shek is turned on and arrested by his former ally and warlord Zhang Xueliang, the Nationalists and Communists agree to form an alliance to battle the incoming Japanese. -
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Marco Polo Bridge Incident
Beginning in 1931 with the Japanese Invasion of Manchuria, tensions between the Chinese and Japanese escalated as the Japanese continued to expand their territory. On July 7th, at the Marco Polo Bridge in Beiping, a skirmish broke out between the KMT and Japanese forces. This would mark the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War. -
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Battle of Shanghai
The battle of Shanghai marks one of the bloodiest battles in the entire war. Fought over a period of three months, the main aim of this battle was to stall the Japanese advance towards the capital city. The KMT soldiers were better trained since they had aid from German advisors – however, the Japanese were superior in terms of technology and supplies. The battle ended with Chang Kai-Shek ordering the retreat of the Chinese forces as they retreated to Nanjing. -
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Nanjing Massacre
After the battle of Shanghai, Japanese morale had been severely lowered and soldiers were unwilling to fight. However, an order was given out in which it was announced that and Japanese soldier who did not fight would be severely punished. On the 10th, the Japanese began their assault on Nanjing. It is estimated that at least 300 000 Chinese perished in this battle. It ended with a victory for the Japanese. -
Capture of Anqing
Once Japanese troops captured the city of Anqing, this sparked the battle of Wuhan, the second largest city of China in terms of population.