PDF Summary:The Rape of Nanking, by Iris Chang

The Rape of Nanking, December 1937. Iris Chang chronicles one of history's darkest chapters in this harrowing account. As Japanese forces swept across China, the city of Nanking became the epicenter of unimaginable atrocities—countless civilians slaughtered in acts of inhumanity. Eyewitness accounts expose the gruesome realities of mass executions and wanton destruction.

Chang examines the forces behind this tragedy and its deep legacy of denial. She spotlights the individuals who risked everything to shelter refugees and document the full extent of the violence, ensuring the truth endures against systematic efforts to hide history's stain.

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• The International Military Tribunal for the Far East (IMTFE) was a military trial held after World War II to prosecute Japanese leaders for war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity. It was similar to the Nuremberg Trials but focused on Japanese actions during the war. The IMTFE was established by General Douglas MacArthur and involved judges, prosecutors, and staff from multiple Allied countries. The trial resulted in convictions for many high-ranking Japanese military and political figures.

The establishment of the Nanking Safety Zone aimed to document and mitigate the terrible acts of brutality.

A safe haven called the Nanking Safety Zone was created amidst the Nanking Massacre. The zone was designed to be a sanctuary amidst the chaos and grief of war, offering protection to civilians caught in the crossfire of Chinese defenders and advancing Japanese troops.

The creation of a protected area within Nanking, referred to as the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone.

A few Western individuals remained in the city, driven by a dedication to protect the residents from the looming danger presented by the invading troops. The International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone established a protected area of approximately two and a half square miles in Nanking, which was off-limits to Japanese forces. The endeavor took inspiration from a similar sanctuary established due to the endeavors of Father Jacquinot de Bessage in Shanghai. Their efforts resulted in the creation of a sanctuary that included educational facilities like Nanking University and additional buildings, all committed to preventing the presence of military activities.

Business owners, spiritual envoys, and other inhabitants worked together to create a haven for safeguarding the residents.

The effectiveness of the Safety Zone was largely reliant on the involvement of international inhabitants, such as religious emissaries and corporate experts. General Tang Sheng-chih's troops initially acted in a manner that jeopardized the neutrality of the safety zone, which led the committee to step in and negotiate their departure. The residents' coordinated efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety of those within the Safety Zone. Despite encouragement from officials to depart and attempts by the Japanese military to interfere, their resolve to stay in Nanking and maintain the safety zone did not waver.

The attempts to stabilize the zone and put a stop to further transgressions were impeded by the conduct of the Japanese military.

The endeavor faced challenges from the outset. A quarter of a million people rapidly converged on the area in search of sanctuary. Minnie Vautrin and John Rabe, serving on the committee, faced the pressing tasks of improving sanitation and securing adequate food supplies in the midst of severe overcrowding. Japanese military personnel repeatedly violated the sanctity of the designated safe area, showing a lack of respect for its intended function and often engaging in hostile actions towards it.

The collective's perseverance through these challenges manifested in a careful balance between initiating measures and documenting occurrences. John Rabe utilized his Nazi Party affiliations to diplomatically intervene and mitigate the hostile conduct of the Japanese military. John Rabe, accompanied by Robert Wilson, who was the sole surgeon remaining in Nanking, and Minnie Vautrin, displayed extraordinary courage, particularly in their efforts to protect women at the Ginling College refuge. These individuals took measures to guarantee that the horrors they witnessed were shared with the world, preserving a historical record that would later educate future generations about the savagery of the massacre.

George Fitch bravely endangered his own well-being to secretly carry vital evidence of the atrocities out of China, while individuals such as John Magee maintained their resolve in the face of overt hostility from the occupying troops. The intense scrutiny and fervent appeals from these individuals, along with their stories, were sent abroad to raise international consciousness about the deep suffering experienced by the inhabitants of Nanking.

The International Committee of the Nanking Safety Zone tirelessly persevered in offering sanctuary and a ray of hope to the multitudes of Chinese seeking refuge, despite encountering a multitude of obstacles. Their conduct shone as a symbol of human compassion amidst humanity's bleakest chapters.

Context

• The Nanking Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, was a brutal event during the Second Sino-Japanese War where the Imperial Japanese Army committed mass atrocities against Chinese civilians in the city of Nanjing in 1937. The massacre involved widespread killings, rapes, looting, and other war crimes, making it one of the darkest chapters of wartime brutality. The establishment of the Nanking Safety Zone was a response to the violence, providing a protected area for civilians amidst the chaos and destruction of the conflict. The International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone played a crucial role in safeguarding residents and documenting the atrocities committed during this tragic period.
• Father Jacquinot de Bessage was a French Catholic priest who played a significant role in establishing a safety zone in Shanghai during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He was instrumental in creating a sanctuary for civilians amidst the conflict, similar to the Nanking Safety Zone. His efforts inspired others to follow suit in providing protection and aid to those affected by the war's atrocities.
• Tang Shengzhi was a Chinese warlord during the Warlord Era, a military commander in the Second Sino-Japanese War, and a politician post-World War II. He played significant roles in various military and political events in Chinese history, including conflicts with other warlords and alliances with key figures like Chiang Kai-shek. Tang's actions and decisions had implications for the power dynamics and outcomes of the conflicts he was involved in.
• Wilhelmina "Minnie" Vautrin was an American missionary and educator who played a significant role in protecting Chinese refugees during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937. She was the president of Ginling College and kept a diary documenting her experiences during this tumultuous time. Vautrin's actions in establishing and maintaining safety for thousands of civilians in the Nanking Safety Zone showcased her dedication to humanitarian efforts. Tragically, the extreme stress and trauma she endured during the massacre led to her suicide in 1941.
• John Rabe was a German businessman and Nazi Party member known for his efforts to protect Chinese civilians during the Nanking Massacre in 1937. He played a key role in establishing the Nanking Safety Zone, which provided sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of Chinese people. Rabe's actions in Nanking showcased a humanitarian side that contrasted with his Nazi Party affiliation.
• Ginling College refuge was a sanctuary within the Nanking Safety Zone during the Nanking Massacre, providing protection to women and civilians amidst the chaos of war. It was a place where individuals like Minnie Vautrin and John Rabe worked to safeguard women from the atrocities of the Japanese military during this dark period in history. The college served as a haven where efforts were made to ensure the safety and well-being of those seeking refuge from the violence and brutality of the conflict. Ginling College's role within the Safety Zone exemplified the resilience and compassion shown by those who sought to protect and support the vulnerable during a time of great suffering.
• John Magee was an American Episcopal pastor who played a significant role in documenting the Nanking massacre. He filmed the atrocities committed during the massacre, contributing to the historical record of the events. Magee's actions helped raise international awareness about the suffering experienced by the residents of Nanking during that time.

The world's response and the attention of the press to the atrocities carried out in Nanking.

The initial worldwide outrage and censure stemmed from the heinous acts.

Coverage by Western journalists made headlines and was prominently featured.

The international community quickly turned its attention to the horrors occurring in Nanking, as Western journalists broadcast the appalling developments. Foreign correspondents, stationed in the capital due to prior events such as the air raids, offered comprehensive accounts of the ensuing skirmishes, the relocation of civilians, and the establishment of a refuge for foreign nationals. Intriguingly, even Japanese newspapers initially published photographs and commentary of the barbaric acts, including execution round-ups and killing contests among soldiers.

Reporters like C. Yates McDaniel went beyond their duties as journalists by taking action to protect Chinese civilians from the violent actions of Japanese soldiers. Numerous reporters documented the events in Nanking until December 15 and then relocated to Shanghai, from where they were able to share their reports, thereby alerting the international community to the extensive massacres and other horrific acts. The correspondent McDaniel's memory would be forever marked by the haunting vision of a continuous stream of Chinese casualties.

Accounts from individuals such as George Fitch, who were missionaries and expatriates, once disseminated through prominent magazines and books, stirred profound outrage and skepticism among Western readers. The dissemination of provocative photos and accounts through major media outlets swayed public sentiment and heightened criticism directed at Japan.

In collaboration with other countries, the United States aimed to apply diplomatic pressure on Japan.

The text does not explore the particular measures implemented by international powers to influence Japan; however, it does note the significant worldwide reaction that encompassed extensive reporting in the media, with numerous news agencies at the forefront, aiming to condemn and possibly influence Japanese conduct by bringing it to the world's attention.

Efforts that followed aimed at denying and concealing the brutal acts committed in Nanking.

Japan has consistently endeavored to downplay or completely deny the occurrence of the mass slaughters.

Japan embarked on a resolute effort to erase any evidence of the horrific acts perpetrated in Nanking, even in the face of international condemnation. The concealment of the massacre was indicated through the initiation of cleanup operations and restrictions on the movement of foreign diplomats in Nanking. Before the tragic events unfolded, there were efforts to influence American media by disseminating deceptive informational brochures and flyers.

Japanese news organizations crafted a deceptive narrative that depicted the nation's military forces as benevolent, which starkly contradicted the actual circumstances. The authorities carefully planned trips to Nanking with the aim of hiding the violence and presenting an image of peace and friendly relations.

After the conflict, the United States and other nations were reluctant to fully reveal and condemn the atrocious deeds that had been carried out.

Following the conflict, both China and the United States displayed a marked hesitation to persistently condemn the wartime atrocities perpetrated by Japan. Amidst the larger geopolitical struggle with communism, both nations had strategic reasons for muted censure towards Japan. The US government, having deciphered intercepted messages, knew about Japan's attempts to obscure the true nature of the atrocities in Nanking yet chose not to disclose this knowledge to the public, implying a certain level of silent consent.

Efforts by factions associated with Japanese conservatism have reportedly been made to conceal the historical reality of the atrocities by attempting to seize or obliterate documents, such as John Rabe's diary. Some politicians in Japan, among them Ishihara Shintaro, have advanced the idea that the Nanking Massacre was fabricated, thus rejecting any form of apology or reparation for the country's wartime conduct. The unwillingness to face historical truths led to self-inflicted limitations in Japanese communities, impacting the autonomy of scholars and the discourse surrounding the atrocious acts perpetrated in Nanking.

In the aftermath, the Chinese authorities and the Republic prioritized the development of diplomatic relations and trade interactions with Japan over seeking compensation. The United States prioritized its anti-communist goals and consequently did not subject Japan to the rigorous postwar scrutiny that Germany faced. The cumulative effect of these actions substantially impeded the full revelation and denunciation of the atrocities perpetrated during the Rape of Nanking.

Context

• The atrocities in Nanking, also known as the Nanking Massacre or the Rape of Nanking, occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 when Japanese forces captured the Chinese city of Nanking. The Japanese military committed widespread atrocities against Chinese civilians and prisoners of war, including mass killings, rapes, and other brutal acts. The event is considered one of the darkest chapters in modern Chinese history, with estimates of the death toll ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. The aftermath of the massacre had significant implications for international relations and historical narratives surrounding World War II in East Asia.
• Japan made significant efforts to conceal the atrocities committed in Nanking, including cleanup operations, restricting foreign diplomats' movements, and crafting a deceptive narrative through news organizations. They also attempted to influence American media with misleading information and carefully orchestrated trips to Nanking to hide the true extent of the violence. These actions aimed to erase evidence of the massacre and present a false image of peace and benevolence by the Japanese military.
• The reluctance of the United States and China to fully reveal and condemn the atrocities committed during the Nanking Massacre can be attributed to strategic considerations, such as geopolitical tensions with communism and diplomatic priorities with Japan. These nations had complex political motivations that influenced their responses to Japan's wartime actions. The US, for instance, had intercepted messages revealing Japan's attempts to cover up the atrocities but chose not to disclose this information publicly. China, on the other hand, prioritized diplomatic relations and trade interactions with Japan over seeking immediate compensation for the wartime atrocities.
• Geopolitical factors, such as the struggle with communism, influenced responses to the atrocities in Nanking by shaping countries' priorities and strategic decisions. The United States and China's focus on countering communism impacted their approach towards condemning Japan's actions. This broader context led to nuanced responses and strategic considerations in how the atrocities were addressed on the international stage. The geopolitical landscape of the time played a significant role in shaping the diplomatic and public responses to the events in Nanking.

The persistent denial of the Nanking Massacre and its repercussions.

The lack of consequences and compensation for the horrific acts perpetrated during the Nanking massacre.

The choice to exonerate the Japanese imperial family and their military leaders from war crime prosecutions.

Following the conclusion of World War II, certain nations evaded the usual legal repercussions typically associated with wartime conduct. Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, a member of the imperial family who assumed command of the forces in Nanking, was shielded from prosecution because the conditions of Japan's capitulation specifically exempted him from being called to testify at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. Emperor Hirohito was granted immunity, which allowed him to evade accountability for his wartime conduct.

Japan continues to deny and has not issued a formal acknowledgment of responsibility for the horrific acts perpetrated in Nanking.

Japan continues to confront its history of war and exhibits reluctance in formally recognizing or offering apologies for the atrocities perpetrated in Nanking. Numerous sectors, such as educational policies that cloud the perception of wartime conduct, assertions from some circles casting doubt on the occurrence of the atrocity, and pronouncements by authorities that downplay the gravity of Japan's wartime conduct, demonstrate a broad denial of historical truths. Some individuals, including Tanaka Masaaki and politicians like Ishihara Shintaro, have at times minimized the seriousness of the events or outright denied that they ever happened.

Efforts continue to preserve the historical record of the atrocities committed in Nanking.

Committed individuals, such as activists, scholars, and survivors, continue to strive for the documentation and commemoration of the historical events.

People from various walks of life, including scholars, survivors, and international groups, persist in safeguarding the memory of the Nanking Massacre from efforts by certain groups within Japan to downplay or refute its existence. The commitment of Iris Chang to thorough investigation, record-keeping, and memorial activities played a crucial role in maintaining the historical recollection of this dark era. They have embarked on numerous projects, including highlighting obscure historical documents like John Rabe's diaries, and actively disputing the narratives presented in academic textbooks. They unite in opposition to the powers determined to consign history to the depths of oblivion.

Debate and denials persist within Japan regarding the scale and nature of the atrocity.

Debates and denials within Japan about the scale and nature of the Nanking Massacre continue to be contentious topics, underscoring the contrast between worldwide historical consensus and domestic acknowledgment of the events. Some groups in Japan seeking to minimize or deny the historical occurrences face resistance from those who firmly support Japan's complete acknowledgment of its past as a pathway to reinstating its international reputation and dignity. The persistent divergence in perspectives is indicative of a nation struggling to come to terms with the legacy of its military past.

Practical Tips

• You can deepen your understanding of historical events by creating a personal digital archive. Start by collecting articles, videos, and testimonies related to the Nanking Massacre and organize them in a digital folder. This will serve as a personal resource for you to refer back to and will help you understand the complexities of historical memory and denial.
• Enhance your critical thinking skills by analyzing contrasting narratives. Choose a specific event from the Nanking Massacre and compare how it's presented in different sources, such as a textbook, a survivor's memoir, and a revisionist publication. This exercise will help you discern biases and develop a more nuanced perspective on historical events.
• Foster empathy and awareness by writing a reflective piece from the perspective of someone affected by the Nanking Massacre. This could be a fictional diary entry or a letter. Imagining the personal stories of those involved can help you connect with the human aspect of historical events and the importance of acknowledging and understanding them.