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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "The Fall of Nanking," how many divisions does the commander in charge of Nanking give authority to cross the Yangtze River?

2. After the order to retreat is given, what route is left open to leave Nanking without encountering Japanese soldiers?

3. Ms. Chang informs the reader that the Rape of Nanking is told from all BUT WHICH of the following points of view?

4. What can be considered ironic about John Rabe as a defender of the Safety Zone?

5. In comparison to Germany, what percentage of war reparations has Japan paid the victims of Nanking?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how Tang Shunsan was able to survive his encounter with Japanese soldiers.

2. Briefly describe the five methods of torture used by the Japanese soldiers in their attempt to exterminate the population of Nanking.

3. As discussed in "Six Weeks of Horror," why will the world never fully understand the psychic toll taken on the women of Nanking, despite best efforts to accurately count the number of rapes?

4. Describe the preparations the Chinese government ordered the citizens to undertake in order to prepare for possible invasions after the fall of Shanghai.

5. In the Foreword, what does Kirby say was unique about the Rape of Nanking in regards to the way it was carried out?

6. Briefly describe John Rabe's role in the Nanking Safety Zone.

7. Chang states in the Introduction that the Rape of Nanking surpasses many of the world's most barbaric events. To which events does she refer, and why was Nanking worse?

8. What does the author accomplish by referring to Nanking as a "forgotten Holocaust," according to Kirby?

9. As the Japanese army begins mass executions in Nanking, what becomes their most pressing problem, and how do they resolve it?

10. What reasons does Chang give in the Introduction as to why the Rape of Nanking is not as well known as the Holocaust or other tragic events?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Has Iris Chang presented a fair and accurate discussion of the Rape of Nanking? Analyze and discuss three instances where Chang is or is not objective about the events in Nanking, and be sure to support the essay with information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Given Matsui's absence during most of the atrocities during the first several weeks of the occupation, historians have long been puzzled by his willingness to take complete blame for the Rape of Nanking. Discuss three possible reasons for Matsui's behavior. Include historical research and supporting material from the text.

Essay Topic 3

In most successful wars and occupations, the master-race theme is often present. Japan used the master-race mentality to justify its occupation of China, just as Nazi Germany used the master-race idea to justify its crimes against Jews, gypsies, and other political "undesirables." Why is this mindset important in Nanking? What does it accomplish? How might Japan's occupation of Nanking have been different if Japanese soldiers did NOT view themselves as more worthy than the Chinese civilians?

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