Core Viewpoint The article discusses the establishment and development of the Southwest Associated University (西南联合大学) during the Second Sino-Japanese War, highlighting its contributions to education and the war effort, particularly through its engineering programs. Group 1: Establishment and Infrastructure - The Southwest Associated University initially rented various locations for its campus before acquiring 124 acres of land in Kunming for a new campus in July 1938, with the new buildings completed by April 1939 [1][4]. - The new campus featured classrooms with iron roofs and mud walls, reflecting the challenging conditions faced by the university during wartime [1][4]. - The university's design was led by renowned architects Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, but financial constraints forced multiple revisions of their plans [2]. Group 2: Academic Structure and Programs - The university comprised five colleges and 26 departments, making it one of the largest higher education institutions in China at the time [8]. - The engineering college was primarily formed from the original faculty of Tsinghua University's engineering department, maintaining its structure and offering various engineering disciplines [4][6]. - An aviation engineering department was established in response to wartime needs, marking the first of its kind in China, with the first cohort of students admitted in 1938 [7][9]. Group 3: Contributions to War Efforts - The aviation engineering department played a crucial role in developing China's aviation capabilities, with students participating in practical training and research that gained recognition from American experts [9][12]. - Faculty and students engaged in various initiatives to support the war effort, including the development of affordable ink that became popular in Kunming [12][13]. - Engineering students collaborated with government agencies to conduct research and develop plans for hydropower resources and road improvements in Yunnan, contributing significantly to local infrastructure [13]. Group 4: Student Experiences and Military Involvement - Despite harsh conditions, the engineering college maintained rigorous academic standards, with strict examinations and practical training [15][17]. - Many engineering students were encouraged to join military training programs, with a significant number serving in various capacities during the war [18][20]. - The university's leadership actively supported student enlistment, with many students participating in military service as translators and technical experts [19][22]. Group 5: Legacy and Conclusion - By the end of the war, over 800 students from the university had served in the military, reflecting the institution's significant contribution to the war effort [25]. - The university officially ended in 1946, with its legacy commemorated by a monument listing the names of its students who served in the military [25].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the unique character of Zhou Yushu, the wife of warlord Liu Xiang, who maintained a strict household and defied the norms of her time, showcasing her influence and strength in a male-dominated society [1][10]. Group 1: Zhou Yushu's Character and Influence - Zhou Yushu, older than Liu Xiang, was a strong and straightforward woman, contrasting with the typical wives of officials, and retained her humble origins despite her husband's power [3][9]. - Liu Xiang's subordinates were aware of the strict taboo regarding women, as Zhou Yushu was known to be fiercely protective of her husband, particularly against infidelity [5][6]. - Zhou Yushu's reaction to her husband's death was one of anger directed at Chiang Kai-shek, demonstrating her strong will and emotional depth [7][10]. Group 2: Zhou Yushu's Post-War Life - After Liu Xiang's death, Zhou Yushu displayed remarkable business acumen, investing in real estate and trade, which led her to become a prominent figure in Sichuan's economy [9]. - Despite her successes, Zhou Yushu faced personal tragedies, losing both of her sons in war, which marked a significant turn in her life [9]. - Ultimately, Zhou Yushu relocated overseas with her remaining children, finding a new life in Brunei, where she lived out her later years [9].

Group 1: Contributions of Intellectuals and Scientists - A significant number of intellectuals and scientists dedicated themselves to the war effort during the Anti-Japanese War, contributing to military and civilian needs through scientific innovation [1][2][3] - Notable figures include Wu Yunduo, who led the development of various munitions despite severe personal injuries, and other experts who innovated in metallurgy and communication technology [2][3] - The efforts of these individuals not only supported military operations but also ensured the survival and resilience of the nation during a time of crisis [1][2] Group 2: Medical Contributions - Medical scientists played a crucial role in providing healthcare amidst the war, establishing a robust medical support system that trained over 15,000 healthcare workers and performed over 200,000 surgeries [5][6][7] - Lin Kesheng and Tang Feifan are highlighted for their significant contributions to medical care and the development of domestic penicillin, which was vital for treating wounded soldiers [5][6][7] - The medical community's efforts were instrumental in preserving life and maintaining the fighting capacity of the military [4][5] Group 3: Educational and Scientific Continuity - The war prompted universities like Zhejiang University to relocate and continue their educational missions, resulting in significant scientific advancements despite challenging conditions [8][9][10] - Faculty and students engaged in research and education in makeshift settings, leading to important discoveries in various scientific fields [9][10] - The legacy of these efforts continues to influence modern scientific research and education, demonstrating the enduring impact of wartime scholarship [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the Battle of Gaoyou, which is regarded as the "last battle of the Anti-Japanese War," showcasing the strategic military actions and the substantial number of enemy troops captured during this engagement [1]. Summary by Relevant Sections - **Battle Overview** - The Battle of Gaoyou was initiated on December 19, 1945, under the command of Su Yu, marking a pivotal moment in the Anti-Japanese War [1]. - The Chinese forces employed psychological warfare initially, leading to defections among enemy troops [1]. - **Military Actions** - A total assault commenced on December 25 at 18:00, supported by heavy artillery fire, allowing Chinese troops to penetrate the city from multiple directions [1]. - The defending Japanese forces, realizing their defeat, surrendered on the morning of December 26 [1]. - **Casualties and Captures** - The battle resulted in the annihilation of nearly 10,000 enemy troops, with 892 Japanese soldiers taken as prisoners, marking the highest number of Japanese captives in a single battle during the Anti-Japanese War [1].

Group 1 - The article highlights the significant contributions of Chinese intellectuals and scientists during the War of Resistance against Japan, emphasizing their role as the "backbone" of the nation in times of crisis [2][3][4] - Notable figures such as Wu Yunduo, Mao Yisheng, and Tang Feifan are mentioned for their dedication to scientific innovation and military support, showcasing their commitment to national defense [3][4][10] - The article illustrates the transformation of various professionals, including metallurgists and radio experts, who adapted their skills to meet wartime needs, leading to advancements in military technology and communication [3][4][6] Group 2 - Medical professionals, including Lin Kesheng and Tang Feifan, played a crucial role in establishing medical support systems during the war, significantly reducing casualties through their efforts [6][7][10] - The Chinese Red Cross Society's rescue teams conducted over 200,000 surgeries and provided medical care to millions, demonstrating the impact of organized medical efforts in wartime [7][10] - The article emphasizes the importance of scientific research and education during the war, with institutions like Zhejiang University continuing to produce significant academic contributions despite the challenges of displacement [11][12][13] Group 3 - The narrative underscores the resilience of scientists and educators who maintained their research and teaching missions, contributing to the preservation of scientific knowledge during the war [11][12][13] - The article concludes with a reflection on the enduring legacy of these contributions, portraying them as a source of inspiration for future generations and a testament to the spirit of perseverance [14]

Core Viewpoint - The story of a heartfelt letter from a Chinese soldier, Wang Jinban, to his father during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which moved even the enemy soldiers, is revealed decades later through historical research and documentation [1][10][11]. Group 1: The Letter and Its Impact - The letter, written in neat calligraphy, expresses a father's deep concern and love for his son, who is away for military training [1][11]. - The letter was discovered by Japanese officer, Chikuzuma Tadanobu, during the East Zhou Island defense battle, and it later became a symbol of the shared humanity in wartime [4][11]. - Chikuzuma Tadanobu, moved by the letter, later adopted the name Wang Jinban in honor of the fallen soldier [11][13]. Group 2: Historical Context - The East Zhou Island battle in March 1939 saw a significant imbalance in forces, with the Japanese army having over 3,000 well-equipped soldiers, while the Chinese defenders numbered less than 1,000 and were poorly trained [7][8]. - Wang Jinban, an 18-year-old soldier, was part of the Zhejiang National Self-Defense Corps, which was formed just six months prior to the battle [5][12]. - The battle resulted in heavy casualties for the Chinese side, with over 230 soldiers lost, despite their valiant efforts [4][6]. Group 3: Research and Discovery - The letter and its story came to light when historian He Mingmin acquired a book detailing the history of the Japanese 85th Brigade, which included the account of the letter's discovery [10]. - Efforts to trace Wang Jinban's family led to the identification of his nephew, Wang Yifan, who expressed a desire to reclaim the letter [16][17]. - The search for Wang Jinban's final resting place remains ongoing, highlighting the enduring impact of his sacrifice [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant role of ordinary soldiers, particularly photographers, in documenting the struggles and resilience of the Chinese people during the Anti-Japanese War, emphasizing their bravery and dedication in capturing historical moments through photography [11][15]. Group 1: Photographers as Soldiers - The article describes photographers like Sha Fei and Shi Shaohua as not just artists but as combatants who risked their lives to document the war [11][15]. - It mentions that these photographers used their cameras to faithfully record the heroism of their compatriots, showcasing their dual role as both photographers and warriors [11][12]. Group 2: Historical Context - The narrative includes references to specific battles and events, such as the Hundred Regiments Offensive and the capture of strategic locations like the Lujiacun Station on the Zhaojun Railway [5][16]. - It illustrates the harsh realities faced by the Chinese people under Japanese occupation, including the impact of the "Three Alls Policy" [8][11]. Group 3: Legacy of War Photography - The article emphasizes the lasting impact of the photographs taken during this period, which serve as a testament to the sacrifices made and the resilience shown by the Chinese people [13][15]. - It notes that the work of these photographers has illuminated the darkest times in the nation's history, preserving memories for future generations [13][15].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and experiences of Zhang Yishun, a 92-year-old veteran who participated in significant historical conflicts, including the Anti-Japanese War, the Liberation War, and the Korean War, emphasizing his contributions and reflections on war and peace [6][12]. Group 1: Early Life and Motivation - Zhang Yishun was born in 1933 in a poor family in Zibo, Shandong, and joined the anti-Japanese efforts at the age of 11, motivated by the harsh realities of life under Japanese occupation [6][7]. - He experienced severe hardships as a child laborer in coal mines, which fueled his hatred for Japanese invaders and motivated his enlistment in the military [7][8]. Group 2: Military Service and Experiences - Zhang Yishun became a nurse in the military, where he learned to care for wounded soldiers, including Japanese prisoners of war, which he initially resisted but later accepted as part of his duty [9][10]. - He participated in significant battles and was involved in the care of injured soldiers, demonstrating a commitment to humanity even towards enemies [9][10]. Group 3: Post-War Contributions and Legacy - After the war, Zhang Yishun continued his service in the medical field, eventually becoming a key figure in the health system in Zhangzhou after transitioning from military to civilian life in 1978 [11][12]. - He remains active in sharing his experiences and promoting the values of patriotism and peace, contributing to initiatives that document the memories of war veterans [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the historical experiences of Taiwanese individuals during the revolutionary period in mainland China, highlighting the personal stories of Lin Tianmin's parents and their contributions to the revolutionary cause [1][3][6]. Group 1: Historical Context - Lin Tianmin's parents were born in Taiwan during Japanese rule, where they were treated as "second-class citizens" [3]. - The couple moved to mainland China in 1943 to participate in the anti-Japanese war, initially working in a hospital in Taiyuan [3][6]. - They changed their names to express their longing for peace while working with the Eighth Route Army [3][6]. Group 2: Personal Contributions - Lin Tianmin's father, Lin Sipin, served as a surgeon at the International Peace Hospital, performing surgeries under challenging conditions [6]. - Lin Tianmin's mother, Lu Li, contributed by teaching cultural classes and writing propaganda slogans [6]. - The couple supported each other through the hardships of war, demonstrating a strong bond amidst adversity [6]. Group 3: Legacy and Reflection - Lin Tianmin created a photo album titled "A Century of Lin Sipin" to honor his father's legacy, reflecting on the family's history and the impact of separation from relatives [7]. - He expressed concern over the current historical education in Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of understanding past experiences to prevent the repetition of historical tragedies [9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the heroic contributions of Li Lin, a Chinese woman who played a significant role in the anti-Japanese resistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War, ultimately sacrificing her life for her country and ideals [1][8]. Group 1: Background and Early Life - Li Lin, originally named Li Xiuruo, was born in 1915 in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, and was raised in Indonesia before returning to China at the age of 14 [3]. - After returning, she attended Jimei School, founded by patriotic overseas Chinese, and became involved in anti-Japanese activities following the outbreak of the September 18 Incident in 1931 [3][4]. Group 2: Political Involvement and Military Training - Li Lin joined various anti-Japanese youth organizations and became a member of the Chinese Communist Party in 1936, changing her name to Li Lin [4][5]. - Shortly after joining the Party, she was sent to the front lines in Shanxi for military training, where she transitioned from a student to a military leader [5]. Group 3: Military Achievements - By 1937, at the age of 22, Li Lin became the youngest and only female guerrilla leader in the Jin-Sui border area, successfully forming a guerrilla unit of over 200 members [5][6]. - She led over 20 battles between April and July 1938, achieving significant victories against Japanese forces, including the capture of over 100 horses from an enemy cavalry unit [5][6]. Group 4: Final Sacrifice - In April 1940, Japanese forces launched a large-scale offensive against the Jin-Sui border area, prompting Li Lin to lead a small team to divert enemy fire and protect her comrades [7][8]. - During the battle, she was surrounded and ultimately chose to take her own life rather than be captured, fulfilling her lifelong commitment to her country [8][9].