Instructions
Read the information below and answer the questions that follow. Use complete sentences where indicated.
Background Information
Unit 731 was a covert biological and chemical warfare research and development unit of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. The unit conducted human experimentation on a large scale, primarily in China, with victims including Chinese civilians and prisoners of war. The experiments were led by Dr. Shiro Ishii, who sought to understand the effects of various diseases and the potential for biological warfare.
Questions
- What was the primary purpose of Unit 731 during World War II?
- Describe some of the ethical issues surrounding the experiments conducted by Unit 731.
- Who was the leader of Unit 731, and what was his role?
- Explain the impact of Unit 731 on modern views of medical ethics and war.
- Why is it important to study the events related to Unit 731 today?
Reflection
In your own words, write a short paragraph about what you learned from this topic and how it might influence your understanding of history.