Japanese Take Control of Tainan in Taiwan

October 21st, 1895

October 21st, 1895

How Long Ago?

129 years, 4 months, 22 days ago

Location

Tainan, Taiwan

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

First Sino-Japanese War

People
  • Liu Yongfu
Links & References
Tags

Japanese Take Control of Tainan in Taiwan

The capitulation of Tainan marked the end of resistance against Japanese forces in Taiwan, completing Japan's conquest of the island. Following the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which concluded the First Sino-Japanese War, local forces led by General Liu Yongfu surrendered to Japanese troops after prolonged fighting. This surrender took place in Tainan, the last holdout of Chinese resistance, where Japanese forces had decisively defeated local Chinese armies over several weeks. The annexation was significant, establishing Japanese rule and influencing Taiwan's social and economic landscape.

Tainan was the last major stronghold against Japan.

The surrender marked Taiwan's transition to Japanese rule.

Japan's victory influenced Taiwan's modernization.

General Liu Yongfu led Chinese forces in the defense.

What Happened?

The capitulation of Tainan was a crucial moment in the Japanese conquest of Taiwan, culminating the extensive military campaign that followed the First Sino-Japanese War. After China was defeated in the war, the Treaty of Shimonoseki, signed in April, ceded Taiwan to Japan. However, local resistance continued, spurred by patriotism and the efforts of key figures such as General Liu Yongfu, who led the local armies against Japanese forces. Tainan, known for its strategic significance, became the last bastion of resistance, where various battles unfolded for weeks, leading to heavy casualties on both sides.On October 21, after fierce fighting and recognizing the futility of continued resistance against superior Japanese forces, General Liu Yongfu decided to surrender. The Japanese army, equipped with modern artillery and tactics, had overwhelmed the Chinese defenders, marking a decisive end to hostilities in the region. The surrender symbolized not only the fall of Tainan but also the complete domination of Taiwan by Japan, which would alter the island's governance, infrastructure, and cultural landscape for the subsequent fifty years.The Japanese administration implemented various reforms aimed at modernization, including infrastructure development, public health initiatives, and education reforms, which significantly impacted Taiwan’s subsequent economic trajectory. The contest between the local populace's quest for independence and the imposition of colonial rule shaped Taiwan's identity in the years to come, laying foundations for future movements against colonial powers.

Why Does it Matter?

The capitulation of Tainan is significant because it signified the total establishment of Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan, transforming the island socially, economically, and politically. The systematic changes introduced by Japan would lead to modernization but also set the stage for complex relations between Taiwan and colonial powers in the 20th century, influencing national identity movements that arose in later decades.

Discover More Historic Events from October 21st

Entertainment

Tragic Incident on 'Rust' Film Set

October 21st, 2021 3 years ago

Alec Baldwin accidentally discharged a prop weapon on the set of the film 'Rust', resulting in the death of director of photography Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The incident took place during a rehearsal at Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico. A prop firearm that was believed to be safe was mistakenly loaded with a live round.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Bus crash claims lives in DR Congo

October 21st, 2019 5 years ago

A fiery bus crash in western Democratic Republic of the Congo resulted in the tragic deaths of thirty individuals. The incident occurred when the bus, reportedly overloaded with passengers, lost control and collided with a truck. The explosion and subsequent fire made the situation dire for those aboard. Local authorities reported that rescue efforts were hampered due to the remote location of the crash. Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scene as flames engulfed the vehicle, leading to emergencies that highlighted the ongoing issues with road safety in the region.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Justin Trudeau Secures Minority Government in Canada

October 21st, 2019 5 years ago

The 2019 Canadian federal election concluded with the Liberal Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, winning a minority government. Despite a significant change in the political landscape, Trudeau successfully retained his position, albeit with reduced power in Parliament. The election featured a high voter turnout and was marked by pressing issues such as climate change, Indigenous rights, and economic policies, reflecting the diverse priorities of Canadian voters.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

U.S. Troop Withdrawal Announcement by Obama

October 21st, 2011 13 years ago

President Barack Obama announced the completion of the withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq by the end of the year, marking a significant shift in U.S. military policy. This decision was rooted in the Status of Forces Agreement signed in 2008, which stipulated the timeline for troop withdrawal. The announcement took place during a speech aimed at outlining the U.S. government's ongoing commitment to Iraq's stability amid the transition to an independent governance structure. It reflected a culmination of nearly nine years of military engagement.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Discovery Images of Dwarf Planet Eris Captured

October 21st, 2005 19 years ago

Images of the dwarf planet Eris were successfully taken using the powerful CCD camera of the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory. These images revealed a distant celestial body located in the scattered disc region of the solar system, which is beyond Neptune. The discovery of Eris, initially designated 2003 UB313, has implications for our understanding of celestial bodies in the outer solar system. Observational studies began in 2003, but the confirmed imaging occurred in 2005, leading to its recognition as a significant trans-Neptunian object.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Seongsu Bridge Collapse Claims Lives

October 21st, 1994 30 years ago

The Seongsu Bridge in Seoul collapsed, killing 32 people. This tragic incident occurred during the evening rush hour, when a large number of vehicles were crossing the bridge. The structure gave way suddenly, causing a significant portion of the roadway to fall into the Han River below. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but many were trapped beneath the debris. The official investigation later revealed that design flaws and poor construction contributed to the disaster, raising concerns regarding infrastructure safety in the city.

Continue Reading