The Nanjing Incident in 1927 sparked widespread rumors and panics, leading to anti-foreign violence and heightened tensions in China. This period of unrest was fueled by nationalist sentiments and fears of foreign influence, reflecting the broader geopolitical struggles of the time. The incident highlighted the fragility of social order amid political upheaval and the impact of colonial legacies on local populations.

The Nanjing Incident rumors and panics significantly influenced Chinese revolutionary poetry. Poets such as Guo Moruo and Ai Qing used their works to reflect on the chaos and societal upheaval, capturing the spirit of resistance and resilience.