How did the Chinese respond to Japanese aggression in the 1930s?

The Chinese responded to Japanese aggression in the 1930s with resistance, forming a united front and seeking international support.

In the 1930s, China was subjected to increasing aggression from Japan, culminating in the full-scale invasion of 1937. The Chinese response was multifaceted, involving both military resistance and diplomatic efforts. The Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), led by Chiang Kai-shek, initially tried to avoid a full-scale war with Japan due to internal issues and the ongoing civil war with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). However, the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in July 1937, where a skirmish between Chinese and Japanese troops escalated into a full-scale conflict, forced Chiang to change his strategy.

The KMT and CCP, despite their ideological differences and ongoing civil war, formed a united front against the Japanese invasion. This was a significant shift in Chinese politics, as the two parties had been engaged in a bitter civil war since the 1920s. The united front was not without its problems, as both parties continued to vie for control and influence, but it did allow for a more coordinated resistance against the Japanese.

On the military front, the Chinese forces were initially at a disadvantage due to their lack of modern equipment and training. However, they managed to put up a significant resistance, particularly during the Battle of Shanghai and the Battle of Taierzhuang. The Chinese also adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, especially in the rural areas, which proved effective against the Japanese forces.

In addition to military resistance, the Chinese also sought international support against Japanese aggression. They appealed to the League of Nations, highlighting Japan's violation of the Nine-Power Treaty and the Kellogg-Briand Pact. However, the League of Nations was largely ineffective in curbing Japanese aggression. The Chinese also sought aid from the Soviet Union, which provided military advisors and equipment.

In conclusion, the Chinese response to Japanese aggression in the 1930s was a combination of military resistance, political unity, and international diplomacy. Despite facing numerous challenges, the Chinese managed to resist Japanese aggression and eventually played a crucial role in the defeat of Japan in World War II.