Mukden Incident
The Mukden Incident, also known as the Manchurian Incident, occurred in September 1931. Japanese forces staged a railway explosion as a pretext to invade Manchuria, marking the beginning of Japanese aggression in China.
1931
1932
Shanghai Incident
In January 1932, Japanese and Chinese forces clashed in Shanghai, leading to a brief but intense conflict. This incident further escalated tensions between the two nations.
1937
Marco Polo Bridge Incident
On July 7, 1937, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident occurred near Beijing, marking the official start of the Second Sino-Japanese War (抗日战争). This skirmish led to a full-scale invasion by Japan.
1937
Battle of Shanghai
From August to November 1937, the Battle of Shanghai saw fierce fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces. Despite heavy resistance, Shanghai eventually fell to the Japanese.
1937
Nanjing Massacre
In December 1937, Japanese forces captured Nanjing, leading to the infamous Nanjing Massacre. Over six weeks, hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers were killed, and widespread atrocities were committed.
1938
Battle of Wuhan
The Battle of Wuhan took place from June to October 1938. It was one of the largest battles of the 抗日战争, involving over one million troops. Despite fierce resistance, Wuhan eventually fell to Japanese forces.
1938
Yellow River Flood
In June 1938, Chinese forces intentionally breached the dikes of the Yellow River to slow the Japanese advance. This resulted in a massive flood, causing widespread devastation and significant civilian casualties.
1939
Battle of Changsha
The first Battle of Changsha occurred from September to October 1939. Chinese forces successfully repelled the Japanese offensive, marking a significant victory in the 抗日战争.
1940
Hundred Regiments Offensive
In August 1940, the Chinese Communist forces launched the Hundred Regiments Offensive against Japanese-held territories. It was one of the largest coordinated attacks during the war, causing significant damage to Japanese infrastructure.
1941
Pearl Harbor and Allied Support
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, China officially became part of the Allies in World War II. This brought increased support from the United States and other Allied nations to the Chinese war effort.
1942
Doolittle Raid
In April 1942, the Doolittle Raid saw American bombers launch an air raid on Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Some of the aircraft landed in China, boosting Chinese morale and demonstrating Allied support.
1943
Cairo Conference
In November 1943, the Cairo Conference was held with leaders from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The conference aimed to outline the post-war order and reaffirmed support for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
1944
Operation Ichi-Go
In 1944, Japan launched Operation Ichi-Go, a major offensive aimed at connecting Japanese-held territories in China and securing resources. Despite initial successes, the operation ultimately overstretched Japanese forces.
1945
End of the War
In August 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet declaration of war on Japan, Japan announced its surrender. This marked the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War (抗日战争) and World War II.
1945
Chinese Civil War Resumes
Following the end of the 抗日战争, the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalists and Communists resumed. This conflict eventually led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
