Why China chose to destroy its own dykes during the 1938 invasion
In short: In 1938, faced with invasion and desperation, the Chinese government made the calculated decision to breach dykes and flood vast regions of the country. This video examines the historical context behind this extreme defensive strategy and the recurring nature of such drastic measures in Chinese history.
The 1938 Yellow River flood was not an accident but a deliberate act of destruction. Faced with an invading force, Chinese authorities opted to breach dykes to inundate large sections of the landscape, a tactic that had been employed previously during times of national crisis.
This episode provides a historical look at the event, exploring why such a destructive strategy was deemed necessary for defense. It serves as a reminder of the extreme measures taken during periods of invasion and the importance of understanding these forgotten chapters of history to avoid repeating them.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Deliberate Disaster: The 1938 Yellow River Flood
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-deliberate-disaster-the-1938-yellow-river-flood.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Ancient China · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
