The July 7 Incident in 1937, a battle between the Chinese and Japanese invading troops at Lugouqiao, broke out and shocked the whole world. The Battle of Shanghai began on August 13. From August 15 on, the Japanese airplanes went on bombing the city of Nanjing incessantly. On November 12, Shanghai, the Paris in the East, was captured by the Japanese after fierce combat. The capital was in danger! A fierce battle in the ancient city of Nanjing was inevitable.

On July 7, 1937, Lugouqiao Incident happened, and a full-scale Japanese invasion of China began to unfold

China was Rabe’s second hometown. As he himself said, “It is in this country where I spent my best time of youth, where my children and grandchildren were born, and where my career was accomplished. I have been enjoying the hospitality of the people of China all along.” Even though the German embassy had advised Rabe to leave Nanjing for many times, he made the decision to stay behind regardless of the changing circumstances after a mental and spiritual struggle over the matter.

John Rabe’s letter to the German Consulate General in Shanghai, requesting to stay behind