The History of Taiwan! Joy Y.

Ilha Formosa, the Beautiful Island The Portuguese first sight Taiwan in 1590 and name it Ilha Formosa (“Beautiful Island”). For the next half century, the Dutch and Spanish establish settlements on the island in the south and north, respectively, as trade and commerce bases. The Dutch seize Spanish settlements in 1646 and gain complete control of the island. Antique map of Taiwan, labeled “Ilha Formosa”

Rise of the Qing Dynasty in China The Ming Dynasty on mainland China is overthrown by the Manchus, who establish the Qing Dynasty ( ). Zheng Chenggong (also Koxinga), a Ming loyalist, leads remnants of Ming forces to Taiwan in 1661 to establish a base to oppose the Manchu regime. They expel the Dutch in the same year. Zheng Chenggong dies in 1662, but his son Zheng Jing continues to use Taiwan to oppose the Qing Dynasty. Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga)

Chinese Imperial Rule Taiwan falls to Qing Dynasty rule in 1683 and becomes part of the Fukien Province. Colonization gradually progresses as refugees flee the mainland. The imperial government pays little attention to Taiwan, provoking rebellions. Officials finally recognize Taiwan’s importance for defense of the South China coast during the Sino-French War ( ) and make Taiwan into a separate province in Territory of Qing China in 1820

Imperial Japanese Rule China is defeated in the First Sino-Japanese War ( ) and cedes Taiwan to Japan. In violent opposition to Japanese rule, the Taiwanese attempt to erect the Republic of Taiwan but last only a few months. Harsh, but not corrupt, Japanese rule result in industrialization and economic growth. Japanese policies aim for “Japanization” of the Taiwanese. Japanese soldiers enter Taipei after China cedes Taiwan

Return to China 1945 Allied Powers hold the Cairo Conference in November 1943 to determine Allied position against Japan in WWII. The Cairo Declaration restores Taiwan to China in September Japanese rule in Taiwan ends after more than 50 years, but the Taiwanese resent the corruption and instability of the new government. Violent revolts erupt in the following years, including the 228 Incident and the White Terror. (from left to right) Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek of the Kuomintang sits with President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, and Madame Chiang at the Cairo Conference

The Kuomintang Retreats to Taiwan 1949 The Chinese Civil War ( ) between the Kuomintang (Nationalist) party and Mao Zedong's Chinese Communist Party continues to rage in China. In 1949, the Kuomintang, led by General Chiang Kai-shek, retreat from the mainland and transfers the Republic of China (ROC) Government to Taiwan. The victorious Communists establish their government as the sole representative of China (including Taiwan) and regards the ROC party in Taiwan as an illegitimate entity, foreshadowing future problems between Taiwan and China. Around 2 million mainland Chinese flee to Taiwan to escape the Communists. Mao Zedong Chiang Kai-shek

Outbreak of the Korean War 1950 The United States, at the outbreak of the Korean War (1950), sends the Seventh Fleet of the U.S. Navy into the Taiwan Strait to prevent any conflict between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC). This effectively puts Taiwan under American protection. Taiwan’s Kuomintang government has considerable international support and recognition. Chiang Kai-shek (front middle) with a US diplomat

The Birth of One of the Four Asian Tigers 1965 From , the United States had spent close to $4 million on economic and military aid for Taiwan. By the time American aid ends in 1965, Taiwan has established a solid financial base. Taiwan becomes a major international trading power (the “Four Asian Tigers). An economic boom follows and results in great prosperity, as well as economic and social stability. Taiwan has had phenomenal economic development

Taiwan Loses Seat on UN Security Council 1971 In 1971, Taiwan (ROC) loses its seat on the UN Security Council. The General Assembly recognizes the Chinese (PRC) government. The UN’s move to deny Taiwan representation illustrates the fading of international support for the ROC government over the years. Taiwan still is not recognized as a nation by the UN

The Shanghai Communiqué 1972 The Shanghai Communiqué is issued during President Nixon’s February 1972 visit to China. The document states that there is only “one China” and that Taiwan was a part of China. This further establishes the United States’ stance on China-Taiwan relations in recognizing only the PRC government. Nixon on his visit to China with Mao Zedong

A Shift in International Policy to the PRC 1979 The United States formally recognizes the PRC government of mainland China to be the only legal government of China. Diplomatic ties with Taiwan are severed, and many other nations as well begin to recognize only the PRC. This leads to future problems in Taiwan’s relation with China. Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (independent) protest relations with China

The Democratic Progressive Party 1986 Domestic criticism of Taiwan’s one-party rule continues and culminates in the emergence of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This marks the first ever opposition party in Taiwanese government. By the 1990s, the DPP has shifted its focus towards Taiwan independence, as opposed to the Kuomintang (Nationalist, ROC) government.

Martial Law Lifted 1987 The martial law (rules under military control) under which the Taiwanese have been living under since the end of Japanese rule is lifted. With the end of martial law, press restrictions ease and citizens are allowed to visit relatives in the mainland. Taiwan progresses forward towards a more modern, democratic era. A woman tears of picture of Chiang Kai-shek during the 20 th anniversary of the lifting of the martial law. Chiang ruled Taiwan under martial law after losing the Chinese Civil War.

President Chen Shui-bian Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party wins the presidential election. After 50 years of rule by the Nationalist (Kuomintang) Party, Taiwan has witnessed its first peaceful transfer of power between parties. Chen, an advocate of Taiwanese independence, changes the face of Taiwanese politics with his support for Taiwan as a nation separate from China.

Election of Ma Ying-jeou 2008 After 8 years under Chen Shui- bian (DPP), the Nationalist (KMT) Party retook the presidential office with the election of Ma Ying-jeou. Ma’s election is a change from the corrupt administration under Chen. His administration has concentrated on thawing frosty relations with China rather than promote Taiwanese independence.

Works Consulted “History of Taiwan.” 31 Jan Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 2 Feb "History of Taiwan." 27 February HowStuffWorks.com. 02 February “Taiwan." Encyclopædia Britannica Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. 2 Feb "Taiwan." Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations. 12th ed. Detroit: Thomson Gale, Reproduced in History Resource Center. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. “Taiwan.” 2 Feb Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 2 Feb “Taiwan’s 400 Years of History.” 28 Jun taiwandc.org. 2 Feb “Taiwan Timeline.” BBC News. 2 Feb