The podcast explores the Sino-Japanese War of 1937-45, discussing topics such as the political situation in China, the road to war between China and Japan, the turning point in the war, factors leading to Japan's surrender, and the aftermath of the war on both countries.
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Quick takeaways
The Sino-Japanese War of 1937-45 left millions dead and had far-reaching consequences for international relations in Asia.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident in July 1937 triggered a drastic escalation of the conflict, leading to increased Japanese military presence in China and a growing resistance effort by the Chinese.
Deep dives
The background and tensions leading up to the Second Sino-Japanese War
The podcast explores the volatile political and social situation in China during the early 20th century, marked by the collapse of the Qing dynasty, the rise of warlords, and the emergence of the Nationalist party. It also highlights Japan's rapid modernization and imperial ambitions, which set the stage for conflict with China.
The Marco Polo Bridge Incident and the escalation of war
The podcast focuses on the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in July 1937, which triggered a drastic escalation of the conflict between China and Japan. The incident led to increased Japanese military presence in China and a growing resistance effort by the Chinese. The battle for Shanghai is also mentioned as a significant moment of resistance against the Japanese forces.
The impact of the war on China and Japan
The war inflicted significant damage and loss of life in both China and Japan. China faced immense challenges due to the Japanese occupation, with the Nationalist government struggling to defend against the better-equipped and more experienced Japanese military. Japan, although initially successful in capturing key territories, became mired in a protracted conflict that strained resources and ultimately led to their desperate situation at the end of the war.
The aftermath and long-term consequences
The podcast examines the aftermath of the war, with Japan ultimately surrendering due to factors such as the atomic bombings, Soviet entry into the war, and declining prospects for victory. China's role in the war and its resistance efforts cemented its position as a global player. The war also played a significant role in setting the stage for the later Communist Revolution in China. Additionally, the podcast briefly mentions the ongoing territorial disputes and historical memory surrounding the war, particularly with regards to Taiwan.
Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the Sino-Japanese War of 1937-45. After several years of rising tension, and the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, full-scale war between Japan and China broke out in the summer of 1937. The Japanese captured many major Chinese ports and cities, but met with fierce resistance, despite internal political divisions on the Chinese side. When the Americans entered the war following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese found themselves fighting on several fronts simultaneously, and finally capitulated in August 1945. This notoriously brutal conflict left millions dead and had far-reaching consequences for international relations in Asia.
With:
Rana Mitter
Professor of the History and Politics of Modern China at the University of Oxford
Barak Kushner
Senior Lecturer in Japanese History at the University of Cambridge
Tehyun Ma
Lecturer in Chinese History at the University of Exeter
Producer: Thomas Morris.
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