1. Taiwan’s 20th Century

6. Background Original population Malayo-Polynesian
Large scale Chinese immigration from the 16th century
Part of the Qing empire
Frontier culture with little effective control
Late 19th century
More integrated (education, social elite etc)
International interest because of natural resources

7. Japanese Colony Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan in 1895
Japan’s model colony
Scientific methods of governance
Develop infrastructure, agriculture, education
World War II
Heavy industry
Policies of assimilation

12. The Civil War period
1945 defeat of Japan → Taiwan reverted to Chinese rule
February 28th Incident 1947
Taiwanese vs “mainlanders”
Executions of many of Taiwanese elite for collaboration
Legacy of Taiwanese opposition to the new regime

13. Taiwan under Chiang Kaishek
1949 Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan
Refugees
Establish Republic of China
→ A base to recapture the mainland
Try to learn from Communist Party
Land Reform
Reorganise the Party

14. Successful economic growth Rigid political system
Martial law
Discriminated against local population
Because government is representative of all of China
→ Taiwanese vs Mainlander identities

15. Democratisation Decline of the Cold War 1975 death of Chiang Kaishek
Establishment of an opposition party
Presidency of Lee Teng-hui
Power to Taiwanese
Reforms that destroy power of KMT old guard
→ Taiwan fully democratic
Problems for People’s Republic of China

16. Taiwan deities in New York 2007
These Taiwanese gods and goddesses are the traditional protectors of Taiwan. This year they will protect Taiwan from those that do not want this sovereign and democratic nation from joining the United Nations, simply because its easier to kow-tow to China’s imperialist hunger. Contrary to China’s claims, Taiwan has never been under the control of the Chinese government.