

At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- History
Grade
9–12Duration
One 50-min class period- Genocide
Overview
About This Lesson
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the enormity of the crimes committed during the Nanjing atrocities, and to help them bear witness to the experiences of those directly affected by the Japanese invasion and occupation of China. In this lesson, students will be introduced to some historical background about the march of Japanese troops into the city of Nanjing and the outbreak of the atrocities. They will then hear two testimonies from survivors—firsthand accounts from individuals who lived through the Nanjing atrocities—to help them more deeply appreciate and empathize with the human and inhumane dimensions of this important moment in history.
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Before you teach this lesson, please review the following guidance to tailor this lesson to your students’ contexts and needs.
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Tell us MoreBearing Witness to the Nanjing Atrocities
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The Nanjing Atrocities: The Range of Responses
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