Those familiar with Taiwanese history know that the First Sino-Japanese War, which began in 1894, ended with the Treaty of Shimonoseki, in which Taiwan and Penghu were ceded to Japan. How many historical accounts have documented the peace talks between Japan and Chinese envoy Li Hongzhang? How did the Qing court react to the treaty?

Until recently, there have been few accounts from a Taiwanese perspective, about how the local people felt about the treaty. As a matter of fact, the common folk were unwilling to accept Japanese rule. They rallied behind the Qing dynasty’s last governor, Tang Jingsong, and formed the short-lived Republic of Formosa. Backed by Taiwanese elites, Japan was able to seize control of Taipei. But outside of the city, it met waves of armed resistance.During Japan’s 50-year rule, resistance lasted for two decades, until 1915.

In this episode of Taiwan History, we revisit this tumultuous period.