In the aftermath of the First Sino-Japanese War, the Battle of Baguashan in Changhua became a pivotal confrontation between the Empire of Japan and the newly-formed Republic of Formosa. Established in 1895 by local leaders hoping to capitalize on the chaos following Qing China's defeat, the Republic of Formosa sought to establish its independence. The Japanese, driven by imperial ambitions and a desire to consolidate their control over Taiwan, prepared a robust military expedition to quell the burgeoning independence movement. Just weeks after declaring independence, the Formosan army confronted Japanese forces at Baguashan, where the two armies clashed fiercely.

The battle itself was characterized by intense fighting and strategic maneuvers as the Japanese employed superior training, tactics, and technology. Led by General Kodama Gentarō, the Imperial forces orchestrated a coordinated assault that overwhelmed the smaller Formosan defenders. Casualties mounted on both sides, but the Japanese forces ultimately emerged victorious. This defeat had dire consequences for the Formosan leadership and civilian population, leading to a complete disarray within the Republic’s ranks and a diminishing of their morale. With their defeat, the dreams of an independent Taiwan faded.

Over the following two months, as Japanese troops consolidated their hold on the island, the Republic of Formosa was unable to regroup or mount any effective resistance, leading to its formal surrender. This marked a significant turning point for Taiwan, as it transitioned from self-proclaimed independence to being firmly under Japanese rule. The implications of this defeat would reverberate for decades, influencing Taiwan's political landscape, cultural identity, and its future interactions with both Japan and China.