The images in the Nation Building gallery visually capture events, individuals, and significant historical shifts that unfolded in both China and Japan from the mid-19th century up through the outbreak of World War II in East Asia in 1937.
The videos in this gallery begin by looking at the historical relationship between China and Japan. This is followed by several videos that present each country's path to modernization with an examination of the internal and external forces at play and how these shaped the events leading up to December 13, 1937. Following a video on the atrocities themselves, are 3 videos based on the Tokyo Trials, the Responsibility of command and foundations of international law.
The images in the Atrocities gallery visually capture elements of the occupation and mass violence that occurred from December 13, 1937 up through late February 1938.
The images in the Judgment, Memory, and Legacy gallery visually explore topics related to post-war China and Japan and issues of rebuilding, justice and memory in each nation.
The Meiji Period in Japan (1868-1912) included many institutional reforms attempting both to modernize as well as maintain their sovereignty. These images document efforts of modernization most evident in the military, civil government, education, and cultural institutions.
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