The Rest Is History 236. China and World War II (Part 2)
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Sep 22, 2022 
Rana Mitter, a Professor of History and Politics at Oxford University and an expert on modern China, dives deep into China's tumultuous role in World War II. The conversation highlights the harrowing events of the Rape of Nanjing and the ethically complex decision by Chinese leaders to flood the Yellow River to halt the Japanese advance. Mitter also explores the contrasting tactics of leaders like Chiang Kai-shek and the implications of collaborationist regimes, shedding light on how these historical events shape China's collective memory today.
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The Rape of Nanking
- George Fitch, head of YMCA in Nanjing, reported on the Rape of Nanking.
- He described Japanese troops plundering, murdering, and raping at will after occupying the city.
Explaining the Rape of Nanking
- The Rape of Nanking lasted six weeks and involved widespread murder, sexual assault, and pillaging.
- Factors contributing to the violence include resentment among Japanese troops and a permissive attitude from superiors.
The Yellow River Flood
- Chiang Kai-shek ordered the destruction of Yellow River dikes to halt the Japanese advance.
- This act caused massive flooding and immense civilian casualties, possibly up to a million deaths.
