The Rape of Nanking

Despite the relative obscurity of the Nanking massacre in the late 20th century, contemporary observers around the world are well aware of the atrocities committed by the Japanese in the city. Initially, Japanese newspapers even print photographs of dead bodies and relate stories of killing contests, characterizing both as sources of great national pride. Once reports from foreign correspondents reach Europe and the United States, however, international public opinion quickly turns against Japan. Japan’s reputation is further soured when it is revealed that the sinking of the USS Panay, an American ship carrying foreign nationals away from Nanking, was the result of a Japanese bombing attack. The author points out that the Panay sinking causes more outrage among the American public than the butchery in Nanking.

Facing universal condemnation from the international community, Japan seals off Nanking to foreign journalists. Over the next few weeks of the massacre, Japan devotes more effort to creating propaganda than to stopping the bloodshed by instilling stronger discipline in its troops. Soldiers clear the dead bodies from a handful of streets and march Japanese tourists and journalists through these blocks. On New Year’s Eve, Japan even stages a mock parade in which thousands of Chinese citizens are forced to march and carry Japanese flags.