Second Sino-Japanese War
Largest Asian war of the 20th century, intertwined with World War II.
It is often regarded as the beginning of World War II in Asia and was the largest Asian war in the 20th century, resulting in around 20 million deaths, mostly Chinese civilians.
- belligerents
- Republic of China vs. Empire of Japan and puppet states
- key_leaders
- Chiang Kai-shek (Nationalists), Mao Zedong (Chinese Communist Party)
- casualties
- Around 20 million deaths, mostly Chinese civilians
Quick Facts
- Conflict
- Second Sino-Japanese War
- Part Of
- the interwar period, and the Asian-Pacific Theater of World War IIFrom December 1941.
- Date
- 7 July 1937Initial earlier clashes began on September 18, 19312 September 1945 (7 July 1937 · 2 September 1945)
- Location
- Mainland China · Burma · Korea · Indochina · Taiwan
- Territory
- China recovers territories lost to Japan since the Treaty of Shimonoseki, as well as retaking de facto control from the Japanese puppet states
- Result
- Chinese victory
- Units3
- See combatants
- Strength1
- 16 million+ total436
- Strength2
- 4.1 million totalHsu · p=535
- Casualties3
- 12,000,000+ civilian deathsMitter · 2013 · p=381 / 14,000,000Mitter · 2013 · p=381–22,000,000 total deaths
Facts from the source article.
Reader's Guide
The Second Sino-Japanese War is significant as the beginning of World War II in Asia and the largest Asian war of the 20th century. It resulted in around 20 million deaths, mostly Chinese civilians, and saw Japan's use of biological and chemical weapons. The war led to China's recognition as one of the Big Four Allied powers and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Did You Know?
- The war is often regarded as the beginning of World War II in Asia.
- Japan used biological warfare causing at least 200,000 deaths and chemical weapons including lethal blister agents.
- China regained Taiwan and became one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council after the war.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the main belligerents and leaders in the Second Sino-Japanese War?
The Republic of China, represented by Chiang Kai-shek of the Nationalists and Mao Zedong of the Chinese Communist Party, faced off against the Empire of Japan and its puppet regimes.
Why is the Second Sino-Japanese War considered historically significant?
It is widely regarded as the starting point of World War II in Asia and remains the largest Asian war of the twentieth century. Its staggering human cost and its role in reshaping East Asian geopolitics cement its place in history.
What were the casualty figures for the Second Sino-Japanese War?
Roughly 20 million people lost their lives over the course of the conflict, with Chinese civilians accounting for the overwhelming majority of those deaths.
More in East Asian History 1-24
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