Historical Events tagged with "taiwan"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

PLA Commences Shelling of Quemoy Islands

September 3rd, 1954 70 years ago

The People's Liberation Army initiated artillery shelling on the Quemoy Islands, controlled by the Republic of China. This military action marked the beginning of the First Taiwan Strait Crisis, a significant escalation in tensions between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China. The shelling was part of a broader strategy by the PRC to assert its control over territories it perceived as its own. Quemoy, located off the coast of mainland China, became a focal point in the struggle for dominance in the region.

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Politics & Government

Signing of the Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty

April 28th, 1952 72 years ago

The Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Taipei, was signed in Taipei, Taiwan, between Japan and the Republic of China to formally end hostilities stemming from the Second Sino-Japanese War. This treaty marked the beginning of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Republic of China, establishing significant political and economic implications for the region. The agreement was signed by Japanese Foreign Minister Shigeru Yoshida and the ROC representative, Vice Premier Chen Cheng.

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Military & Warfare

Siege of Chengdu Closes Kuomintang Era

December 10th, 1949 75 years ago

Chengdu, the last Kuomintang-held city on the mainland, faced a significant military assault by the People's Liberation Army, which led to President Chiang Kai-shek's retreat. The siege marked a decisive turning point in the Chinese Civil War, concluding years of conflict between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China. With the fall of Chengdu, the remnants of the Kuomintang government fled to Taiwan, marking a new chapter in Chinese politics and governance.

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Military & Warfare

Battle of Guningtou Commences in Taiwan Strait

October 25th, 1949 75 years ago

The Battle of Guningtou was fought between the Kuomintang forces and the People's Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait. It began in late October as part of a larger conflict over control of Taiwan. The Kuomintang, led by Chen Cheng, aimed to defend their position against the encroaching communist forces, while the People's Liberation Army sought to secure the strategic island, considered vital for their control over Taiwan. The battle marked a significant confrontation in the ongoing Chinese Civil War, showcasing military strategies and the fierce determination of both sides.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Taiwan Civil Disorder and Mass Casualties

February 28th, 1947 78 years ago

The February 28 incident marks a pivotal point in Taiwan's history, beginning with an anti-government uprising against the Kuomintang regime. Triggered by resentment over the oppressive policies and corruption of the Nationalist government, the unrest escalated as civilians protested after a tax enforcement incident. The government's brutal crackdown resulted in the estimated deaths of 28,000 civilians, leading to widespread fear and further suppression of civil liberties. The aftermath deeply affected Taiwan's socio-political landscape and left lasting scars on its collective memory.

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Politics & Government

Taiwan Reverts to Republic of China Control

October 25th, 1945 79 years ago

Taiwan's governance shifted from Japanese to Chinese rule following Japan's defeat in World War II. On this day, representatives of the Republic of China officially took over administrative control, marking a significant transition in Taiwan's history. The event took place in Taipei, where a formal ceremony symbolizing this handover was conducted. This transition was pivotal, as it ended 50 years of Japanese colonial rule and initiated a new chapter for Taiwan's political landscape and identity.

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Military & Warfare

USS Sealion Sinks Battleship Kongō

November 21st, 1944 80 years ago

The American submarine USS Sealion successfully sank the Japanese battleship Kongō and the destroyer Urakaze in the Formosa Strait. This engagement occurred during a period of significant naval warfare in World War II, showcasing the effectiveness of submarine warfare against larger surface ships. The assault highlighted the strategic prowess of the U.S. Navy and contributed to the weakening of Japanese naval capabilities in the Pacific theater.

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Military & Warfare

USS Tang Sinks After Own Torpedo Incident

October 24th, 1944 80 years ago

The USS Tang (SS-306), a U.S. submarine, sank in the Formosa Strait after being struck by one of its own torpedoes. During a mission against Japanese shipping, the Tang fired a magnetic torpedo which missed its target and turned back to hit the submarine instead. Of the crew, 78 sailors perished, marking one of the significant losses for the U.S. Navy during World War II.

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Military & Warfare

Decisive Japanese Victory at Baguashan

August 27th, 1895 129 years ago

The Japanese forces decisively defeated a Formosan army at Changhua, effectively crippling the short-lived Republic of Formosa. This victory arose during the broader context of the First Sino-Japanese War, where Japan aimed to assert its dominance in East Asia following the Treaty of Shimonoseki. The defeat on the battlefield translated into a swift surrender of Formosa's leadership two months afterward, marking the end of a brief but significant attempt at independence from Qing China.

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