Surviving the Nanjing Massacre (1937-1938)

Historical Context

The Nanjing Massacre (previously spelled Nanking), also known as the Rape of Nanking, was one of the most horrific war crimes of the 20th century. It took place during the Second Sino-Japanese War, a conflict between China and Japan. In December 1937, Japanese Imperial Army forces invaded Nanjing, which was then the capital of China. Over a period of about six weeks, from December 1937 to January 1938, Japanese soldiers carried out widespread atrocities against Chinese civilians and captured soldiers. Historians estimate that between 200,000 and 300,000 people were killed, and tens of thousands of women were raped. Victims included men, women, and children, many of whom were tortured or murdered in brutal ways. The massacre shocked the world and became a symbol of the extreme violence of World War II in Asia. Despite international outrage at the time, many of the perpetrators were never held accountable. In later years, some Japanese officials and scholars have denied or minimized the massacre, which remains a source of tension between China and Japan today. The Nanjing Massacre is remembered as a powerful example of the impact of unchecked militarism and imperialism. Survivors and historians continue to share testimonies to ensure this tragic chapter of history is not forgotten.

Connection to History’s Habits of Mind

The Nanjing Massacre challenges us to move beyond statistics and headlines to truly understand the human suffering experienced during this tragic event. Practicing historical empathy means imagining what it might have felt like to be a civilian in Nanking in December 1937. People were caught in a city under siege, uncertain of their safety, and facing unspeakable violence from invading soldiers. This habit of mind encourages students not to judge history only through modern perspectives. Instead, they are asked to engage emotionally and intellectually with the realities of the past.

Discussion Question

• What might it have felt like to be a civilian living in Nanjing when the Japanese army arrived?
• In what ways does remembering events like the Nanjing Massacre help prevent future atrocities?
• How can we show respect to the victims and survivors of events like the Nanjing Massacre when we study them in school?
• What responsibilities do historians, teachers, and students have when sharing stories that involve trauma and violence?
• How does reading or hearing personal testimonies help us understand the human impact of war better than statistics alone?

Suggested Activity

Material Needed:

• Sticky notes (3 colors or sections labeled for sorting)
• Printed copies and/or projection of Liu Shihai’s testimony
• Chart paper or whiteboard divided into 3 labeled areas:
  • What He Might Have Thought
  • What He Might Have Felt
  • What I Wonder or Want to Ask

Step 1: Introduce the Activity and Read the Testimony [7-10 mins]

Students will read or listen to a testimony from Liu Shihai, a soldier who survived the Nanjing Massacre. Then, project or read the testimony aloud as students follow along (condense/excerpt the testimony if needed for time). While many soldiers and civilians lost their lives during this event, Liu lived to share what he witnessed. While listening to the testimony, think not just about what happened, but about how he might have felt and what it would be like to live through something like this.

Step 2: Sticky Note Reflection [5 mins]

Students respond by writing one sticky note for each of the following prompts. Ask students to post their notes under the matching categories on the wall or board:

• What He Might Have Thought (i.e. Why is this happening to us?)
• What He Might Have Felt (i.e. fear, shock, disbelief, guilt, grief)
• What I Wonder or Want to Ask (i.e. How did you go on living after this?)

Step 3: Gallery Walk & Reflection [10 mins]

Invite students to walk around and read each other’s sticky notes quietly. Afterward, have student discuss one of the following questions with a peer nearby:

• What types of thoughts and emotions showed up most on the sticky notes?
• How does this story change or deepen your understanding of the Nanjing Massacre?
• Why is it important to remember individual voices like Liu Shihai’s?