In the late 19th century, Korea was a point of contention between the Empire of Japan and the Qing Dynasty of China, both of whom sought to exert control over the Korean Peninsula. The situation intensified in 1894 when Japan sent troops to Korea under the pretense of ensuring stability, following the Gabo Reforms aimed at modernizing Korea. China's immediate response was to dispatch its own forces to the region, citing their historical role as Korea’s protector. After several confrontations, including naval clashes, both nations recognized that conflict was imminent.

On August 1, 1894, after a week of increasing military engagements and without any resolution in sight, Japan formally declared war against China. The declaration of war was a culmination of Japan's desire to assert itself as a regional power, successfully leveraging its modernization and military reforms initiated during the Meiji Restoration. The war opened with major naval battles, most notably the Battle of the Yalu River and the Battle of Port Arthur, showcasing Japan's superior naval capabilities.

The First Sino-Japanese War lasted until 1895 and ended with Japan's victory, significantly altering the balance of power in East Asia. The Treaty of Shimonoseki concluded the conflict, where China recognized Korea's independence and ceded Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands to Japan, thus placing Japan firmly on the path of imperial expansion and further solidifying its status as a modern nation.