Second World War - Sino-Japanese War 1937

This lesson explores the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, a key event leading to the Second Sino-Japanese War. Students will learn about the motivations behind Japan’s aggression, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, and the impact on Chinese resistance. Activities include guided reading, video analysis, group discussions, and a writing task on the consequences of the invasion. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the roles of the GMD and CCP in resisting Japanese forces.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss Japan’s industrial expansion and territorial ambitions following the Meiji Restoration.
Explain the context of the First and Second Sino-Japanese Wars.

Chiang Kai-shek Declares War:
Discuss the initial advances of the Japanese and Chiang Kai-shek’s response after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
Analyze the red areas on the map showing land captured by the Japanese.

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident 1937:
Detail the incident that marked the beginning of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Discuss the conflict between Chinese and Japanese troops and the subsequent declaration of war by Chiang Kai-shek.

Guided Reading Task:
Give each paragraph a subheading and write down three key facts for each.
Refer to the provided accessible text link for additional information.

The Second United Front:
Discuss the formation of the Second United Front, the collaboration between the GMD and CCP to resist the Japanese invasion.
Analyze why Chiang Kai-shek agreed to work with the Communists despite initial reluctance.

Video Task:
Watch a video on China’s actions during the war and add new details to the notes.

Japan Advances Quickly:
Discuss the rapid advancements of the Japanese forces and significant events like the Rape of Nanjing.
Analyze the global reaction to the famous photograph of a child in a ruined train station.

Who Did the Most to Stop the Japanese?
Debate the roles of the CCP and GMD in resisting the Japanese invasion.
Sort factors into categories of CCP Success and GMD Failures.

Writing Task:
Write an essay explaining two consequences of the Japanese invasion of China for the GMD and CCP using the PEEKA paragraph structure.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the essays.
Reflect on the roles of the GMD and CCP and their contributions to the war effort.

Resources:
Video link on the invasion of China
Guided reading text
Group activity fact sheet
PEEKA paragraph guidelines