Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1874
A Japanese assault on Taiwan is repelled by a combination of locals and Qing troops. Japan
withdraws its troops after suffering casualties caused by both battle and disease.
1885
Taiwan is made a separate province of the Qing Empire in response to growing interest in the is-
land's strategic importance and resources by Japan and Western powers.
1885-91
Under the first provincial governor, Liu Ming-chuan, a railway is built from Keelung to Taipei, the
first in all of China. Liu also establishes a telegraph and postal system.
1895 (April)
After being defeated by Japan in the first Sino-Japanese War, a Qing delegation signs the Treaty
of Shimonoseki, ceding Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan in perpetuity.
1895 (May)
Unhappy with being incorporated into Japan, local Taiwanese (assisted by disenchanted Man-
chu officials) establish the Taiwan Republic, the first independent republic in Asia.
1895 (October)
After a five-month campaign during which Japanese forces capture towns in a southward
march, Republican forces surrender the capital of Tainan, ending the short-lived Taiwan Repub-
lic.
1921
Taiwanese elites form the Taiwan Cultural Society to press the Japanese Diet for local repres-
entation. Historians consider this the beginning of Taiwan-centred identity.
1927
Formation of Taiwan People's Party, the first political party in Taiwan, with the goal of pushing
for local rights and representation. The party is suppressed three years later.
1930-31
In the 'Wushe Rebellion, Japanese authorities and members of the Seediq tribe in Nantou
County clash in a series of battles. This is the last large-scale revolt against colonial rule.
