The Treaty of Shimonoseki concluded the First Sino-Japanese War, a conflict fueled by the competition for influence in Korea between China and Japan. The war erupted in 1894 and brought to light the weaknesses of the Qing Dynasty, while Japan, having undergone a period of modernization during the Meiji Restoration, showcased its military prowess. Following Japan's decisive victories in battles such as the Battle of Yalu River, the Qing government was forced into negotiations under unfavorable conditions. The treaty was signed onboard the Japanese warship 'Mikasa' in the Japanese port of Shimonoseki.

Under the terms of the treaty, the Qing government recognized Korea's full independence from Chinese suzerainty, a move that effectively removed China's longstanding influence over Korea. Additionally, China ceded Taiwan and the Pescadores (Penghu Islands) to Japan and granted Japan significant economic and territorial concessions, including a lease on Port Arthur and Dalian, and recognition of Japan’s privileges in the region.

These territorial changes signified a profound shift in the balance of power in East Asia and underscored Japan's emergence as a global power. The treaty also ignited a wave of reformative movements within China, prompting increasing calls for modernization and national rejuvenation following the humiliating defeat.