The Battle of Pyongyang was one of the pivotal confrontations during the First Sino-Japanese War, which spanned from 1894 to 1895. The war stemmed from rival imperial ambitions in Korea, where both Japan and the Qing dynasty sought control. By September 1894, tensions had escalated into open conflict as Japan rapidly dispatched forces to assert its influence in Korea, following the unequal treaties that had opened Korea to foreign intervention. The battle itself saw approximately 50,000 Japanese troops facing off against around 25,000 Qing forces in and around the city of Pyongyang.

The Japanese implemented meticulously planned strategies that emphasized mobility and surprise, utilizing artillery and infantry tactics that overwhelmed the Qing defenders. The Qing military faced significant disadvantages, including logistical issues, inferior training, and outdated equipment. After several intense days of fighting, the Japanese secured a decisive victory, forcing the Qing forces to retreat chaotically towards the Chinese border. The capture of Pyongyang not only showcased Japanese military efficiency but also highlighted the Qing dynasty's decline and inability to project its power over Korea.

This Japanese victory significantly altered the strategic balance in East Asia and broke the centuries-old hegemony of the Qing dynasty. Following this battle, Japan continued to press its advantage in the war, leading to further victories and ultimately the Treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895, which forced the Qing to recognize Korea's independence and cede Taiwan to Japan. This battle solidified Japan's emergence as a major military power and initiated a period of heightened imperial ambition throughout Asia.