Reel 2 of The Battle of China (1944) explores the impact of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader regarded as the Father of the Chinese Nation. His political philosophy, the Three Principles of the People—nationalism, democracy, and people’s livelihood—shaped China’s path toward unification and modernization. Under Sun’s influence, China built schools, sent students abroad, and embraced advancements in industry, science, and medicine. His death in 1925 did not halt progress, as his successor, Chiang Kai-shek, continued modernizing China by constructing railways, highways, and industrial centers.
Meanwhile, Japan was aggressively expanding its military. Under the banner of the Tanaka Memorial, the Japanese emperor and his warlords mobilized a modern army, navy, and air force, aiming to fulfill their imperialist ambitions. Newspaper headlines announce Japan’s record-breaking military budget, as footage shows Japanese ships loaded with coal, scrap iron, and oil, fueling the war machine. Animated maps highlight Japan’s illegal fortification of Pacific islands, including the Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands, in violation of international treaties.
The film then turns to Japan’s 1931 invasion of Manchuria, which ignited a war that would engulf the world. Japanese forces occupied Jehol before launching a full-scale invasion of China in 1937. Animated maps illustrate Japan’s rapid capture of Tientsin and Peiping, while footage shows cheering Japanese soldiers celebrating their victories. However, China refused to surrender. The reel concludes with Chinese forces striking back at the Japanese in Shanghai, signaling the beginning of fierce resistance against Japan’s aggression.
The Battle of China (1944) - WWII Documentary on Japan’s Invasion