In August 1937, full scale war broke out between China and Japan. During first three months of the war, a major battle was fought in Shanghai and the city fell after very heavy fighting.
Following the fall of Shanghai in November, the Japanese army took advantage of their momentum and advanced towards Nanjing — the capital of China at the time. The Japanese advance came from east to west, along the line, from the south bank of the Yangtze River to Taihu Lake, threatening the encirclement of the entire walled city.
No Escape
Nanjing’s geography played a significant role in its vulnerability to being trapped during the events of 1937. Nanjing’s location along the bank of the Yangtze River served as a natural barrier, but also limited avenues of escape. Additionally, Nanjing was and is still, a walled city, with medieval walls and moats surrounding the perimeter of the city limits. These geographical settings turned Nanjing into a natural fortress, but also a death trap with no escape.
In 1937, the Chinese leader, Chiang Kai Shek committed to mounting a defense of the city. Chiang appointed General Tang Shengzhi in command with orders to “defend the city to the…
